Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne is aiming for a fourth British Superbikes title after wrapping up his third Championship at Brands Hatch over the weekend.
Aboard the Rapid Solicitors Racing Team Kawasaki, the Isle of Sheppey rider was in imperious form around his local track as he looked to defend a nine point lead coming into the final round.
Saturday’s race one saw Byrne lead from the start and he took maximum points. Holding an 18 point advantage going into the penultimate race, Byrne was soon in command knowing a victory would seal his third title if main rival Josh Brookes finished lower than second. Byrne crossed the line first with Brookes in second meaning the title decider for the 2012 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship would go to the final race.
In front of another massive Brands Hatch crowd, Byrne shadowed race leader Brookes in the knowledge that a lowly 14th place finish would give him the crown to add to his 2003 and 2008 titles but he wasn’t going to settle for second and took the lead with a couple of laps to go. Shakey took the victory and with it the title to make him unbeaten around the Brands Hatch GP track in seven races. It also meant he took his tally to 41 BSB victories to move to within two wins of record holder Ryuichi Kiyonari.
Shane Byrne: “That’s not bad for a weekend’s work and whereas the previous two British titles I’ve won have been wrapped up well in advance this one went right down to the final race so it’s probably the hardest.”
“I’d like to pay tribute to the team for giving me the tools to do the business this season and it’s great to work with Paul Bird once again.”
“What it now means is I have to think about coming back here next year to defend the title as I’d like to beat the record of three championship victories achieved by Niall Mackenzie and Ryuichi Kiyonari!”
Paul Bird, Team Owner was full of praise for the Kent rider: “This is our best championship win to date; we have also won most races which is testament to the team who have done a brilliant job.”
“It’s also good to secure Kawasaki’s first BSB title for 20 years. Considering the pressure Shakey was under he rode exceptionally well and to go out and win the final race when he didn’t need to was simply amazing.”
“We said we were only coming back to win the title and that’s what we have done and I’d like to pay tribute to our sponsors, especially Rapid Solicitors and everyone else who has made this possible.”