Kent’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne has issued a warning to his rivals for the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship crown in 2014.
With the season getting underway at his home track of Brands Hatch this Easter weekend it is clear that Shakey has only one thing on his mind and that is regaining the title he lost to Alex Lowes in the final round of the 2013 season.
Byrne has already shown that his Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki is going to be quick this season by setting the pace during pre-season testing, which culminated in him setting the lap record in the final test at Snetterton.
Speaking ahead of the start of the season, a determined Byrne said: “I can’t wait to get started. It feels like it has been a long winter but the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki team haven’t stood still and testing went really well for us.
“We have moved onto the 17″ wheels and they really suit my riding style and it all works; I have a lot more confidence in the front end and some of the issues I had last year had been highlighted at Snetterton so to have the good test there was great. Overall I am really happy; I have given the team feedback on where we needed to go after the tests and we are ready for Brands Hatch.”
“Brands Hatch is my home round and I want to get the season off to the best possible start. I don’t think you can count on what happened in testing as it is never a true reflection of what will happen at Clearways on the final lap of the race, but I know we have done everything possible to be in the best position for this weekend.
“Josh and Tommy (Bridewell) will be super strong; they will be switched on but it will be interesting to see how some of the other riders fair when it is a race situation rather than testing. You can read what you want into pre-season testing, but if you haven’t been smashing out the laps then it can all mean nothing when it comes to the 30th lap of a race.”
“I really want to go racing now. It’s not far from home so that’s good for me and the gaps will be closer at Brands Hatch because of the Indy circuit and ultimately I am focused on what I need to do to be fast. If you thought I was determined to win that fourth title last year, all I can say is you haven’t seen nothing yet!”
The opening round of the MCE British Superbike Championship takes place this Easter Bank Holiday weekend (18-21 April). Tickets are available to purchase on the gate for £8 on Friday, £10 on Saturday, £14 on Sunday and £32 on Monday. For further information call the ticket office on 0843 453 9000 or click here.
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