Now it’s confirmed that Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne and Leon Camier will be riding the Airwaves Ducati 1098R’s in the British Superbike Championship next year, we thought we should ask them a bit about themselves and their aims for next season.
Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne won the BSB title on a Ducati in 2003, he then moved to MotoGP for two years before returning to the domestic championship in 2006. He brings immense experience to the team and is looking forward to competing for the BSB title with Airwaves Ducati in 2008.
Where does the nickname ‘Shakey’ come from?It’s actually really boring, in fact if I’d thought about it I’d of lied about it from the word go!!! Basically I got out of a swimming pool as a kid in Spain and one of my friends called me Shakey Shane because I was standing there shivering as it was a bit breezy, how boring is that, I was only about 11 at the time and since then it stuck.
What is your favourite food?I like all sorts of food, I reckon you’d struggle to beat my mum’s Christmas dinner though ha ha. I love pasta though and the odd Chinese.
What are your major likes and dislikes?Winning is a major like! Traffic jams and being told what to do are dislikes!!!
Now that you have joined the Wrigley’s Airwaves Ducati Team, what are your aims and targets for the forth coming season and the future?Obviously I see this as an absolutely fantastic opportunity for me and one that I don’t intend to waste. First and foremost I need to ensure that I’m going to be fit and strong from the minute testing starts so it’s going to be maximum time in the gym, running and possibly a little bit of motocross over the winter. Secondly I need to get a good bond with my team and complete as many laps as possible throughout winter testing in order to get a good understanding of my bikes. Then I’d like to think that with this team and bike behind me, podiums, race wins and ultimately the British Superbike championship will come!
Who is your favourite rider of all time? Kevin Schwantz
Do you have any role models, on or off the track?Not especially, I like to do things my own way, I train hard and ride hard which is what’s needed in our championship.
What advice do you have for kids whose ambition is to become a pro rider?I think that they should never give up trying to make it happen. Being a motorcycle racer is all I’ve ever wanted for as long as I can remember; my parents don’t even have a driving license for a car let alone a motorcycle, so if you want it, keep pushing and one day if you’re lucky it’ll come to you.
Do you have a message for your fans?I hope that each and everyone of them is as happy as I am with this opportunity I have with Airwaves Ducati and GSE racing and that they continue their much valued support, see you on the podium!!!!!
Do you have any superstitions which you have to carry out before a race?Nothing major, Petra (my girlfriend) always has some tissue folded into a square for me to blow my nose, she then gives me my earplugs and always gives me my left glove first, that’s not too bad is it?
Have you spoken to Leon since it was announced that you are going to be team mates next year? No I haven’t, although in fairness I’m not sure he has my number, I did text him after his crash this year wishing him a speedy recovery. I dare say we’ll have plenty to talk about once testing starts.
Leon Camier joins the Airwaves Ducati team from Honda for his 2nd year in the British Superbike Championship. He is a young talent who has won both the British 125GP and Supersport Championships before stepping up to the Superbike class in 2007, finishing the season in 8th. Despite his crash at Cadwell Park he is confident that he will be fit for the New Year and is keen to get on the new bike as soon as possible.
How did you get the nickname ‘Shafter’?Never you mind! No seriously, it all came about when Casey Stoner and Chaz Davies used to ride in the British 125 series; it was originally Cam-Shaft from Camier which, over time, turned into Shafter.
What car do you drive?A Honda at the mo but I am getting rid of it in December and I’m not sure what I’ll get after that…
Do you have any role models, either on or off the track?There are lots of people who I look up to like Lance Armstrong, Casey Stoner, Troy Bayliss; there is always something to be learnt from people like that.
Who is your favourite rider of all time? Troy Bayliss
What do you think your biggest challenge will be this season? It’s all a whole new challenge for me as everything will be new, the team, the bike and as yet I haven’t ridden the Superbike at Donington or Brands Indy due to my injury this season. There’s so many, but winning the championship is obviously the goal.
Do you think your recent injury will hinder you either physically or mentally?I’m hoping if anything it will make me stronger. It’s the biggest injury I’ve ever sustained but it’s definitely made me really miss the racing and more eager to be back out on a bike.
Now that you have joined the Wrigley’s Airwaves Ducati Team, what are your aims and targets for the forth coming season and the future?To fit as many pieces of chewing gum in my mouth at once! No seriously, my goal is to win but obviously there are so many factors so I will take it one step at a time. First I need to get fully fit with my leg, then I need to learn everything around me and start moving things forward. I’d like to be in a strong position at the start of the season to get some good early results.
How long have you had the habit of walking around race tracks the evening before a race? And to what extent does this aid you in the race?How do you know about that to start with (?!) I do it just to clear my head and get in a good mind set for the next day.
Do you have any other superstitions? I try not to have any.
What advice do you have for kids whose ambition is to become a pro rider?Its not just about what you do on the track, you have to put in just as much effort off the track. I do think that if you work hard and put your mind to what you want to achieve, you can achieve it. My racing career has all happened pretty quickly and at 21 I’m now going to be racing for one of the most established teams in the paddock, it’s all come though hard work and dedication.
Do you have a message for your fans?I have fans, wahooo! Well I would like to take the opportunity to thank the hundreds of people that got in touch after my accident. It meant a lot to me reading some of their comments and really nice knowing that I have so much support, I really appreciate that. I hope they will all continue to support me in 2008 and the Airwaves Ducati squad.
Have you spoken to Shakey since it was announced that you are going to be team mates next year? No, he lives abroad I can’t afford the phone call! Actually I haven’t really had the chance but I am looking forward to getting to know him and the rest of the Airwaves Ducati team over the next year or so.
