Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki rider Shane Byrne was quickest during the first free practice session ahead of this weekend’s MCE British Superbike event at Knockhill. Byrne topped the timesheets ahead of Swan Yamaha ace Tommy Hill, with Samsung Honda’s Michael Laverty in third position.
Byrne and Hill had swapped positions throughout the session before Byrne posted a time of 49.510secs to claim the fastest time of the session. Australian rider Josh Brookes made a late surge up the timesheets, briefly taking 2nd position from Hill with minutes remaining. But it was Hill and Samsung Honda rider Laverty who managed to leapfrog Brookes, demoting the Tyco Suzuki rider to 4th.
Italian rider, Luca Scassa was the best place finisher in the Knockhill rookies category. The Padgetts Honda man, who had tested earlier in the year, obviously learned a few things on his previous visit. Swan Yamaha rider Noriyuki Haga, riding his first-ever laps of Knockhill managed to coax his machine home in 12th position.
Elsewhere in the session, there were off track excursions for Chris Walker, James Westmoreland and James Hillier, hopefully all will be out for this afternoon’s session at 3pm, although Walker is a serious doubt.
Tickets for round 5 of the MCE British Superbikes are available online now. Advanced race day (Sunday) tickets will be available until Saturday night, with a box office collection service in operation. You can also purchase your event tickets at the gate throughout the weekend. Prices and event info can be found on our event webpage.