We all collectively released a huge sigh of relief when the chequered flag came down on the second, re-started, MCE British Superbike Championship race of the weekend; aside from a dreadful bout of weather from late Friday evening to midday on Saturday, the weather was actually rather kind to us – 2.5 days of glorious sunshine isn’t too bad considering it ‘always rains at Knockhill’.
We saw some exceptional racing throughout the classes this weekend, but the man of the meeting has to be Shane Byrne. Fastest in every session, two race wins, under lap record pace in qualifying and a new Knockhill lap record in the race; add in a mightily strong home-round for Stuart Easton, and we understand why PBM Kawasaki principle Paul Bird had a massive grin on his face as he headed for an Knockhill exit via his private helicopter.
Additionally, the Scottish race fans had a genuine contender in the Superbike class with Stuart Easton riding as well as we’ve seen him at Knockhill:
“It’s been a good weekend. Good points to take away, good podium credits and really good for my Championship challenge. Great also for the team with a PBM one-two, shame l just couldn’t find a way passed Shakey,” said Easton.
Indeed, Easton gave the crowd hope of that elusive first win at Knockhill when he fired his PBM bike into the lead in the first section of the 2nd race. Unfortunately, the excitement was short-lived as he overshot the hairpin and let Laverty, Byrne and Brookes past; before the race was red flagged for rain – well more of a slight drizzle really (so that doesn’t count). A short delay, and a restarted 11 lap race saw Byrne grab the advantage once again, and as soon as he got his nose in front, he clinically closed out the race – for his 10th career race win at Knockhill.
There was also some home success elsewhere, with a race win for Tarran Mackenzie (Superstock 600) and Matthew Paulo (Supersport Evo); Dennis Hobbs, Greg Gilfillan and Michael Robertson enjoyed podium success in the Ducati Tri-Options Cup and Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championships respectively. All-in-all, a good weekend for the Scottish-based contingent.
We’ll finish off with thanking a few folks – Stuart Higgs and all his team, riders, teams and officials, for providing another thrilling weekend of action at Knockhill. To the Racesafe marshals for their sterling work and dedication, particularly on Saturday when the timetable was effected by the weather and track damage; and to the fans, who’ve travelled from all four corners of the UK to be here this weekend – we salute you.
We’d also like to wish a everyone a safe journey home and hope to do it all again next year… at a sunny Knockhill 🙂
