Tom Sykes shed a tear after being crowned World Superbikes champion for the first time on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Englishman only needed a podium spot in one of the two final races of the season in Jerez to win the title, and sealed it by finishing third in the opener.
Sykes suffered the agony of missing out on the crown to Max Biaggi last year but, despite starting this season with a cracked bone in his left wrist, was not to be denied this time around.
The Yorkshireman's nearest rival, Eugene Laverty, won both races in Jerez but that was not enough to give him the title as Sykes became the first Kawasaki rider to win the title for 20 years.
"I'm absolutely over the moon, so emotional," Sykes told British Eurosport.
"I was shedding a few tears on the slowing down lap, I was shaking.
"There have been lots of sacrifices to get here. Finally we're here and what a feeling."
He added: "Luckily this is our moment. I was so close last year. I've been waiting a long time for this and she's finally here."
Aprilia took the manufacturers' title as Laverty claimed another two victories to take his tally of victories for the season to nine.
The Northern Irishman, who came out on top in a thrilling battling with BMW's Marco Melandri in the first race and took the second ahead of Sykes, was magnanimous after missing out on the title.
He said: "Congratulations to Tom on the championship. Tom and Kawasaki moved the goalposts very far this year.They did a fantastic job and congratulations to them."
Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli finished third in the overall standings after finishing fourth and third on Sunday, with Melandri fourth overall after sitting out the final race of the season due to an injured foot.