From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:

SHAKEY HOPES TO WRAP TITLE UP AT CADWELL

MonsterMob Ducati’s Shane Byrne goes into this weekend’s action at Cadwell Park hot favourite to wrap up the British Superbike Championship at the Lincolnshire circuit in front of an anticipated record bank holiday crowd.

Never in the championship’s recent history has the title been won with two rounds to spare but such is the 26 year old Kent rider’s advantage, he just needs 22 points from round ten of the twelve round series to be certain of his first major Superbike crown to add to his Privateer’s Cup success of two years ago.

But despite the title being within his grasp, ‘Shakey’ is taking nothing for granted and is focussing on getting back to winning ways after a poor showing in the last round at Oulton Park:

“I’ve not won a BSB race for seven races now and that is starting to bug me. I need to win five out of the last six races if I’m to achieve my goal of a record fourteen wins in a season and obviously if I do that, the title will be well in the bag. It’s all very well settling for safe points but that’s when mistakes creep in as was the case at Oulton so I won’t be doing that from now on” said Byrne who will clinch the series if he beats main rival John Reynolds in the opening race.

Meanwhile, the task will prove much harder for Supersport team mate Stuart Easton who needs to take his third win of the season if he’s any chance of hanging onto his number one plate. The 20 year old from Hawick trails series leader Karl Harris by 45 points and a repeat of the Oulton Park result where Harris won and Easton finished second would see Harris land the title. But the young Scot hasn’t given up and will be aiming to clinch victory around the tight and twisty circuit.

“People wrote me off before Mondello and I ended up winning with Karl down in eleventh and a repeat of that is what I need. I want to take the title fight to the next round at least and I’m not going to surrender my crown easily” said the defending champion.

Team Owner Paul Bird commented: “We just need to wrap up the superbike title as quickly as possible now so that we can start concentrating on our plans for next season. Shakey knows what he needs to do and I’m confident he’ll come up with the goods this weekend. As for Stuart, it’s going to be tough but as long as there’s a chance, we’ll be giving it our best shot.”


Recent British Superbike Champions

1996, Niall Mackenzie, Yamaha

1997, Niall Mackenzie, Yamaha

1998, Niall Mackenzie, Yamaha

1999, Troy Bayliss, Ducati

2000, Neil Hodgson, Ducati

2001, John Reynolds, Ducati

2002, Steve Hislop, Ducati