From a press release issued by Monstermob Ducati:

MONSTERMOB DUCATI BRITISH SUPERBIKE TEAM

Round 10 – 2003 British Superbike Championship powered by HALLS, Cadwell Park

Sunday 24th and Monday 25th August 2003

BYRNE IS CHAMPION!

MonsterMob Ducati rider Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne clinched his first British Superbike title with a superb victory in the opening race at Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire today.

In front of another massive crowd the 26 year old fended off a concerted challenge from Suzuki’s John Reynolds to become the first British rider in recent history to clinch the title with two rounds to spare.

Byrne led from start to finish and despite a safety car intervention which allowed Reynolds to close in, Byrne held on to win the race and in doing so took the second consecutive British Superbike Championship victory for the Paul Bird Motorsport MonsterMob Ducati Team.

“It’s fantastic. If I had won it with two fifth places I think I would have gone home sulking! It’s not been for a lack of trying to win races, I’ve just been struggling lately. I just tried as hard as I possibly could and just managed to hold them off. I’m sorry about Yukio’s crash and I hope he gets well soon,” said a delighted Byrne.

Team boss Paul Bird was also delighted with the performance. “What a fantastic race. Without doubt that is one of the best races I have seen him ride. I’m chuffed for him and the team and our sponsors.”