Airwaves Ducati rider Shane Byrne leaves Oulton Park leading the British Superbike Championship by 99 points after achieving two third place finishes at round 7. Following his heavy fall during qualifying, Leon Camier did not compete in today’s races.
After dropping back to 7th at the start of race one, Shane fought his way through the field to take 3rd position on lap 14 of 18. Shane was able to close the gap on the leading pair, crossing the line just 0.310 seconds behind James Ellison to take the final podium spot for Airwaves Ducati.
In race two Shane once again dropped a few places at the start, finding himself in 4th. The top 4 riders broke away from the rest of the field and maintained their positions until lap 17 of 18 when Shane overtook Leon Haslam for 3rd. On the final lap Shane briefly held 2nd before a late challenge by Cal Crutchlow pushed him back down to 3rd.
After a tough couple of days Leon said, “It’s been a difficult weekend. The decision to not take part today wasn’t an easy one but I wasn’t 100% fit to race so it was for the best. I’m now really looking forward to going to Knockhill and getting my championship back on track with the Airwaves Ducati team.”
Following race two Shane commented, “I’m pleased to have extended my championship lead, but if I am honest I really wish I could have come away with a win for the Airwaves Ducati team today. In the first race I didn’t push hard enough for the first few laps and it really cost me, allowing the riders in front to get away. I felt a lot more comfortable in race two, the Airwaves Ducati 1098R worked the best it has all season. The next round at Knockhill should suit the Airwaves Ducati and I like it as a circuit so I look forward to climbing back to the top of the podium once again!”
Race One Result:1. Tom Sykes – Rizla Suzuki
2. James Ellison – Hydrex Bike Animal Honda
3. Shane Byrne – Airwaves DucatiRace Two Result:1. Tom Sykes – Rizla Suzuki
2. Cal Crutchlow – HM Plant Honda
3. Shane Byrne – Airwaves DucatiChampionship Points:1. Shane Byrne – 312 points2. Cal Crutchlow – 213 points
3. Tom Sykes – 176 points
4. Leon Haslam – 174 points
5. Leon Camier – 160 points
