Shane Byrne secured his 6th race win at Knockhill and the 46th of his career during the opening MCE British Superbike Championship race today. The Rapid Solicitor’s man was coolness personified; pursuing Aussie star, Josh Brookes, until the final stages of the race before making his move in the scorching, Scottish heat.
Both riders were lucky that they managed to complete the race following a slight collision at the hairpin on lap 25. Byrne tried to dive past Brookes on the brakes heading into the tight Taylor’s Hairpin, but ran wide; allowing Brookes to cut back up the inside on the exit of the corner. Both riders then headed for the middle of the track before Byrne’s front wheel collided with Brooke’s rear, unsettling both riders. The duo, managed to recover with Byrne succeeding with a similar move of the next lap. Byrne then went on to open a small lead; eventually crossing the finish line one second in front of the Tyco Suzuki rider.
Image Credit: www.power-images.co.uk
Samsung Honda rider Alex Lowes sensationally crashed out midway through the race after losing control of his Superbike after exiting the Hairpin. Lowes’ misery though, was Kiyonari’s gain, as the Japanese rider went on to secure his first podium of the season and cap a remarkable turn-around in his fortunes this season.
Image Credit: www.power-images.co.uk
Speaking on Eurosport the trio commented:
“I’m very happy with my first podium, thanks to my mechanic, team and sponsors. It’s been hard, but l can now move forward onto the next race,” said Kiyonari; who managed to record similar lap times to that of Brookes and Byrne. Those times will see the Samsung Honda man start from the front row in the second race later today.
Brookes added, “I felt in control, l knew Shakey was there and so l knew l had to push on. I was consistent but slightly disappointed with the lap times. We collided at the hairpin, nothing in it really a racing incident. There’s not much more l can get from the bike, l just need to be faster next time out.”
“I’ve had a lot on my mind recently, so l have to thank the team for giving me a winning bike this weekend. The incident with Josh was just one of those things, he did what was right and so did l. Once l got passed l just pushed from there and am delighted with the win,” said Byrne
The next Superbike action gets underway at 16.15pm this afternoon. The line up for the grid makes for interesting reading. Despite crashing out, Alex Lowes will start on pole, Brookes starts second, Kiyonari third. Byrne’s reward for a race win is a grid slot on the second row, in fourth. Chris Walker and Keith Farmer complete the front two rows.
Check out the MCE British Superbike website for all the latest news!