Freshly crowned Australian Supersport 300 champion Tom Bramich has joined a host of Aussie legends, including Mick Doohan, Daryl Beattie and Mat Mladin, as a winner of the coveted RK Chains Samurai Trophy.
The annual award recognises the 21-year-old Victorian as Australia’s most improved and outstanding young talent throughout the 2018 ASBK season, both on and off the track.
Bramich was a deserving 2018 SSP300 champion. Throughout the 21-race season he finished outside the top three on just five occasions, a remarkable achievement considering the quality of his opposition.
“It is such an honour to win the RK Chain Samurai Trophy this year, it’s amazing to think riders such as Mick Doohan, Mat Mladin and Daryl Beatie have won it in the past,” said Bramich. “I never expected to be the recipient of this award, so it comes as a great surprise.”
The award, now in its fourth decade, is voted on by a panel of key industry figures, and it was a combination of Bramich’s racing consistency and his sportsmanship as a gracious winner that secured his place as the 31st name on the prestigious list.
Presenting the unique Trophy at the recent ASBK Night of Champions dinner. AMCN’s Matthew O’Connel recounted a conversation he had with Tom at the beginning of the season. “There was one comment that struck me; Tom said his goal is to become an ASBK factory rider. That not only illustrates the credibility of the series, it also shows that Tom can remain very grounded amongst tough opposition.”
Tom thanked Link International for its support of up-and-coming young racers. He also took the opportunity to thank his family and supporters for their assistance throughout the year, as well as his sponsors Yamaha Motor Australia, JLT Sport, YRD, Nolan Helmets, Ricondi, Forma Boots, Extreme Clean, Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres, Autobarn Narre Warren, Northside Prestige, Nelsigns, TM Performance, Ron Angel Wholesale, SBS Brakes, DNA High Performance, Filters, SJG Plumbing and Yamalube.
Tom will not be contesting the SSP300 support class at this weekend’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Showing the level of sportsmanship that secured him the 2018 RK Chains award, he has chosen to step aside and allow younger brother Ben an opportunity to shine in front of the world’s best riders, media and the expected huge crowd.
“Ben had an up and down season with injuries and mechanical problems, so it would be nice for him to try and get some good results at the MotoGP event,” Tom said.
