Byrne falls short in Superbike Championship

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Oliver Rudgewick reports on a thrilling final round of the British Superbike championship

Lambeth’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne just failed to create the miracle needed to secure his fifth British Superbike Championship during the last race weekend at Brands Hatch.

Going into the deciding meeting in second place, Byrne needed to overturn a 47-point deficit to championship leader Josh Brookes, with only 75 points on offer.

Byrne gave himself a great chance by taking the lead in the opening race, but could not hold on and with it went the Championship. It left Byrne in runners-up spot, agonisingly short in the final standingsGaining pole position was paramount, and Byrne needed to make sure he qualified ahead of Brookes for the first race. But the 38-year old could only qualify fifth, behind Brookes who was on the front of the grid.

Byrne made up for his poor starting position with a stunning opening lap, and he shot up to second going into Druids corner.

Then Byrne battled wheel to wheel with Brookes for the lead, knowing that he had to win to take the championship to the second race.

Byrne managed to take the lead but lost in it on lap 12 to Brookes. Byrne was unable to maintain pace with Brookes as he increased his lead to two and half seconds and eventually crossed the line first to secure his maiden British Superbike Championship.

With the title gone, Byrne was again impressive in the second race of the weekend. Having qualified fourth, another spectacular first lap saw him take the lead ahead of Brookes.

However, Byrne was again unable to keep Brookes behind him. The newly crowned champion made his move at Westfield on the seventh lap and held Byrne off to win his 13th race of the season.

Heading into the final race of the championship, Byrne put himself in contention for the win by qualifying in second.

Brookes crashed out early which lead to a three way battle between John Hopkins, Michael Laverty and Byrne.

The lead changed between the three riders multiple times, with Laverty hitting the front and staying there to take his first race of the season.

The three riders were separated by under a second, with Byrne being denied second place as Hopkins managed to find his way past.

Byrne ended up finishing second overall in the standings with 662 points 41 points behind eventual winner Brookes who ended on 703 points.

After a frustrating season Byrne’s attention will already be switching to the next championships and his attempt to win his fifth British Superbike title. The new season starts in April next year at Silverstone.

 

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