Byrne completes daily double to increase points lead

BENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP Round four – Donington Park – Spring Bank Holiday Monday 26 May

Shane Byrne tightened his grip on the chase for the Bennetts British Superbike title with a second winning double of the season in the fourth round at Donington Park in which the local favourite Leon Haslam had to settle for a second best in each of the races.


Riding the Airwaves Ducati, Byrne started from pole for the third time, but it was James Ellison who made the early running aboard the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda, though by the third lap, he had been taken by the determined Byrne.

He was beginning to pull clear of the pack when the Audi Safety Car was introduced to neutralise the race while marshals dealt with the ensuing fire, following the engine failure, of the Suzuki ridden by Luke Quigley.


“It was difficult, because after making a sensible start, I had just pulled out a bit of a gap when the Safety Car came out, and I had to think about tactics, but then I decided to just go for it,” explained Byrne.

“The wind was a real problem and at Redgate it actually blew the front wheel away and I had to pick the bike up a bit and balance it. It was a fine line between being safe and pushing on but fortunately my gamble paid off.”


Byrne held the upper-hand, crossing the line some 2.47secs up on HM Plant Honda rider Haslam with Tom Sykes third for Rizla Suzuki. Ellison had to settle for fourth place ahead of Leon Camier and Cal Crutchlow.

Karl Harris, suffering from arm-pump, had been running fourth, but dropped back to seventh ahead of Michael Rutter; Michael Laverty who had started from the pit-lane and Simon Andrews.

Haslam, who had blamed himself for a poor-start in the opener, made the perfect get-away next time out to lead, and soon his team-mate Crutchlow was running line adrift while Byrne, who had been sixth on the opening lap, was beginning to make up ground, though not without a scrap with his teamster Camier.



Byrne was running third with four laps remaining, and setting the fastest lap of the race, he closed in on Crutchlow, nosing inside him at the Melbourne Hairpin to go second. Next time round, with an indentical move he had taken Haslam, en route to completing his sixth victory.

“I didn’t make life easy for myself, but then I drifted through, kept it consistent and didn’t make any mistakes,” reflected Byrne, adding, “though that said I nearly fell off at the last corner on one lap.

“But, I got the double, and that is great for me and the team who have given me such a great package to work with – all I have to do is wobble around and win for them.”

Haslam came in second, ahead of Crutchlow, Camier, Ellison and Sykes.

Byrne leads the title chase 190-122 ahead of Crutchlow with Camier third on 107 points, while in the Daily Star Cup Buildbase NW200 Ducati rider John Laverty with a victory, and then a second place adrift of the Quay Garage Honda of Gary Mason extended his advantage to 171-87 ahead of Martin Jessopp.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship – round four
Race one result:
1. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 32:01.058
2. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) +2.473
3. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +3.442
4. James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +5.856
5. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +6.188
6. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) +6.636
7. Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing) +7.464
8. Michael Rutter (NW 200 Ducati) +9.809
9. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +12.627
10. Simon Andrews (Jentin Racing/Lloyds British Yamaha) +16.244

Race two result:
1. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 31:06.337
2. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) +0.355s
3. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) +1.447s
4. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +1.596s
5. James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +4.186s
6. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +7.446s
7. Karl Harris (Team Rob Mac Racing Yamaha) +15.707s
8. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) +26.794s
9. Simon Andrews (Lloyds Bitish Jentin Racing) +31.816s
10. Gary Mason (Quay Garage Honda) +32.870s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:
1. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 190
2. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) 122
3. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) 107
4. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) 96
5. James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) 88

Next round – Snetterton, 13-15 June

ANOTHER WIN FOR AIRWAVES DUCATI

Shane Byrne extended his lead in the British Superbike championship today with a win and 2nd place at Brands Hatch. Leon Camier enjoyed his 3rd podium of the season, coming 3rd in race two following a 5th place in the first race.

From the start of race one Shane dropped to 6th before recovering to 3rd within 3 laps to pull away with the leading trio. Having held 4th position for 5 laps Leon slipped down to 5th, where he eventually finished. Shane remained in 3rd until the second half of the 20 lap race, when he overtook Sykes and Crutchlow in quick succession, to take the chequered flag and his 3rd successive win.

At the start of race two both Airwaves Ducati riders had to work hard for their positions. Shane and Leon had moved through the field to 3rd and 4th position respectively when the safety car entered the race on lap 14. The race distance was extended to 23 laps but a red flag shortly after meant the result was declared with Shane in 2nd position and Leon in 3rd.

Shane now leads the championship by 44 points but he had mixed feelings about his day saying;

“If I am honest I am slightly disappointed with the 2nd place; the Airwaves Ducati package is so good we definitely had the pace to do the double again today. The Airwaves Ducati was absolutely flying this weekend, we were by far the fastest people on track and that is testament to the GSE Racing team who have worked so hard all weekend. I really wanted to bring them another double but it wasn’t to be. We have secured some good championship points though and I will come back even stronger at Donington in a couple of weeks.”

Leon Camier, who is now 3rd in the championship, was pleased with his result commenting;

“It has been a good day although slightly frustrating at times. I feel as though I had the pace for at least a win or 2nd place in both races, although Shakey would have been hard to beat today. I felt good on the bike I was just struggling to get going on my first few laps, once I got into my rhythm I felt great and I was able to keep up with Shakey so I knew I was right on pace I just need to work on getting away better. I am pleased that I got another podium and more championship points; I am looking forward to getting to Donington and pushing for a win there.”

Race One
1. Shane Byrne – Airwaves Ducati
2. Tom Sykes – Rizla Suzuki
3. Cal Crutchlow – HM Plant Honda
4. Leon Haslam – HM Plant Honda
5. Leon Camier – Airwaves Ducati

Race Two
1. Cal Crutchlow – HM Plant
2. Shane Byrne – Airwaves Ducati
3. Leon Camier – Airwaves Ducati
4. Michael Laverty – Relentless Suzuki
5. Michael Rutter – North West 200 Ducati

Championship Points
1. Shane Byrne – 140 points
2. Cal Crutchlow – 96 points
3. Leon Camier – 83 pointsFor more information on Airwaves Ducati, please contact:Lucy AdamsPress OfficerGSE Racing

BSB | Brands Hatch 10 - 11 May

Series leader Byrne confident of more success – starts from pole
BENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Brands Hatch – Saturday/Sunday 10/11 May

Shane Byrne heads confidently into his favourite Brands Hatch circuit for the rescheduled round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship this weekend intent on tightening his grip on the title that he last held five year ago.

The Airwaves Ducati rider has won three of the four races held so far, opening up a 39 points advantage over his team-mate Leon Camier and unusually as Byrne prepares for these races, on the demanding grand prix circuit, that could be crucial to his hopes, he already knows that he will be on pole position for them.

He had secured that starting slot during qualifying for the snow aborted opening round last month and that has been carried over to this weekend. Now he is expecting to maintain his winning pedigree at the Kent circuit where he began his racing career and enjoyed a milestone double victory as a ‘wild-card’ rider in the 2003 World Superbike round.

Byrne heads the pack but alongside him at the front of the grid should be his title rival Cal Crutchlow, the HM Plant Honda rider, who is facing a race against time to be fit after sustaining an ankle injury in a crash during last Sunday’s round at Oulton Park.

Karl Harris, also battling back from injury, has a front row start for his Rob Mac Racing Yamaha, with Leon Haslam alongside him – the 24 year old Derbyshire rider is playing catch-up in the title stakes and really needs a winning double to put his hopes firmly back on track.

Camier, currently second in the title stakes, will start his Airwaves Ducati from the second row of the grid, alongside the fast maturing Tom Sykes on the Rizla Suzuki, a rider who will be hoping for an upturn in fortune after two crashes in his last three races.

Simon Andrews, aboard the Lloyds British Jentin Yamaha will be looking for a strong performance as will the vastly experienced Michael Rutter whose career has been rejuvenated since joining the North West 200 Ducati team.

Stuart Easton and Billy McConnell are capable of strong performances aboard the MSS Discovery Kawasakis while James Ellison is hungry for more podium finishes after his superb showing last time out in Cheshire. His Hydrex Bike Animal Honda team-mate Guy Martin is also one to watch, along with Relentless Suzuki rider Michael Laverty.

His brother John will be looking to extend his advantage in the Daily Star Cup. The BuildbaseNW200 Ducati rider has won three of the four races so far, beaten only by Steve Mercer aboard the Bob Farnham Tuning Sondel Yamaha – he could make local knowledge count having a strong track record at the circuit. James Buckingham and Tom Tunstall also expect to be in the hunt for honours.



Superbikes on track
Saturday 10 May
11.10-11.40 and 15.45-16.15 free practice
Sunday 11 May
10.25-10.40 warm-up practice
13.15 Race one
16.20 Race two

British Eurosport 2
Sunday 11 May
1300-1430 LIVE Superbike race one & support race
1515-1700 LIVE Supersport & Superbike race two
1900-2030 Highlights
Monday 12 May
1430-1600 Highlights
Tuesday 13 May
1845-2015 Highlights
Thursday 15 May
2115-2215 Bennetts British Superbikes Extra
Tuesday 20 May
1900-2030 Highlights
Sunday 25 May
1200-1330 Highlights
Channel 4
Wednesday 14 May
01.10-02.05 Highlights

Lap records
2.3009 mile Grand Prix Circuit
Superbikes Gregorio Lavilla, Ducati, 1:25.724, 96.63mph/155.51kph 09/04/07
Supersport Pere Riba, Kawasaki, 1m 28.688s, 105.87mph, 09/10/05
125GP Robbie Stewart, Honda, 1m 34.274s, 87.86mph, 09/04/07
Superstock Mark Aitchison, Suzuki, 1m 29.317s, 92.73mph, 05/08.07
600 Superstock Domenico Colucci, Ducati, 1m 31.501s, 90.50,ph, 04/07/07

Flashback
Rd 1 – 9 April 2007
Bennetts British Superbike Championship
Pole: J Rea, Honda, 1m 25.235s
Race One - 20 laps
1 G Lavilla Ducati 28:56.903
2 L Camier Honda 28:58.604
3 J Rea Honda 29:01.479
Fastest lap: Lavilla, Ducati, 1:25.724, 96.63mph/155.51kph
Race Two - 21 laps
1 G Lavilla Ducati 31:09.132
2 J Rea Honda 31:10.040
3 L Camier Honda 31:11.235
Fastest lap: Rea, Honda, 1:25.755, 96.59mph/155.45kph
British Superbike Cup
Race One
1 J Buckingham Honda 30:06.30
Race Two
1 J Buckingham Honda 31:44.050

Rider’s view
“The Grand Prix circuit is unbelievable, a top course, one of the best to ride, exciting and it always makes for tough, but good racing – the atmosphere is always great there,” Leon Haslam, HM Plant Honda

Daily double for Byrne puts him in control in title stakes

BENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Round three – Monday 5 May – Oulton Park

Shane Byrne took a winning double in an incident littered Oulton Park round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship to tighten his grip on the crown.

The first race was stopped on the opening lap when five riders, including early leader Tom Sykes, tipped off in three incidents and with rain falling prior to the re-start the teams gambled on tyre choice.

“We had six, maybe eight minutes to make the most important decision of the whole weekend, and that was what tyres to go with. The boys in the team chose the tyres for me, and I just rode them, pushing as hard as I could,” reflected Airwaves Ducati rider Byrne.

Sykes again led on his Rizla Suzuki but Cal Crutchlow nosed his HM Plant Honda ahead on the fourth lap, only to run wide at Lodge at half distance, giving the lead to Airwaves Ducati rider Byrne.

Byrne held off the close attentions of Leon Haslam in the closing stages to take the victory: “I tried real hard to keep the bike upright and keep the win – it made for a really amusing race which I am pleased to have won.”

Leon Camier took third place while Michael Rutter, continuing his early season run of form was fourth for North West 200 Ducati ahead of Sykes and Crutchlow.

Steve Mercer, riding the Bob Farnham Tuning Sondel Yamaha, enjoyed maiden victory in the Daily Star Cup, finishing some four seconds clear of STP MV Agusta rider Chris Burns and Leon Morris aboard the Trimite Brookspeed Ducati.

Sykes led the second race from Crutchlow and his team-mate Haslam but by the fourth lap, Haslam had moved second and was riding hard, eager for a first victory of the season.

Haslam made controversial attempted overtaking move at the chicane on the eleventh lap, taking the inside line but it ended in disaster. Sykes crashed out while Haslam ran wide across the grass.

Crutchlow had the lead, but not for long before Byrne, who at one point had dropped back to eleventh place after an error at the chicane, had nosed ahead on the twelfth lap.

Next time round, Crutchlow crashed, sustaining ankle injuries, with the action red-flagged and Byrne credited with the victory which gives him the lead in the title chase 95-56 over his team-mate Leon Camier,who finished the second race in third place.
Haslam crossed the line in fourth place ahead of Michael Laverty, on the Relentless Suzuki and MSS Discover Kawasaki rider Stuart Easton with Rutter just adrift.

However after an investigation by the Judicial Clerk of the Course, Haslam was excluded from the results, a decision that following an appeal was upheld by the MCRCB Chief Steward.

John Laverty took the victory in the Daily Star Cup, this third of the season, ahead of Luke Quigley, PDM Suzuki, and Burns while Mercer tumbled out of the second race.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship results - Oulton Park.
Race one – 18 laps:
1.Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 32m 29.161secs
2. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) +0.204s
3. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +2.604s
4. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) +11.495s
5. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +20.015s
6. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) +22.023s
7. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +37.259s
8. James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +39.322s
9. Tristan Palmer (Tena for Men Honda) +54.028s
10. Stuart Easton (MSS Discovery Kawasaki) +57.885s

Race two – 13 laps:
1. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 21m 13.862secs
2. James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +4.247s
3. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +8.027s
4. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +1 lap
5.. Stuart Easton (MSS Discovery Kawasaki) +1 lap
6. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) +1 lap
7. Simon Andrews (Jentin Racing/Lloyds British Yamaha) +1 lap
8 Scott Smart (Hawk Kawasaki) +1 lap
9. Atsushi Watanabe (Rizla Suzuki) +1 lap
10. Billy McConnell (MSS Discovery Kawasaki) +1 lap

Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:
1.Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 95
2. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) 56
3. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) 55
4. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) 54
5 James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) 46

Toseland continues learning curve

James Toseland faced a difficult race in changeable conditions in Shanghai, China today for round four of the 2008 MotoGP Championship. The British rider passed the chequered flag in 12th position to secure further points in his championship campaign with Tech 3 Yamaha. He now sits in sixth place overall in the series standings on equal points with fifth-placed Loris Capirossi.

Rain overnight with a drying track for the race led to difficult conditions for the British rider’s first race at the Shanghai circuit. He has had only four sessions in the past two days to learn the layout of the track. As ever, the 27-year-old focussed on securing the highest finishing position possible. However – faced with more experienced contenders – the Isle of Man resident moved from ninth on the second lap to 12th ten laps later.

He continued to push himself right until the chequered flag, setting a personal best with just two laps to go. The front of the race was extremely competitive with several MotoGP veterans fighting it out for a podium position. Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi emerged victorious with the race win, followed past the finish line by Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner. The result sees Pedrosa take the championship lead ahead of round five at Le Mans.

“12th place is my lowest finishing position to date this year so obviously I’m not particularly happy with today’s result,” says James. “I knew that this weekend was going to be difficult so I just got my head down and worked hard – that’s all I could do.

“I’ve got another new track to tackle at the next round but then we head to some circuits that I know really well, including my home round at Donington Park, so I’m looking forward to that. I still feel like I haven’t demonstrated the true potential of the package that I have. I’m confident that we’re capable of a podium finish, so I’ll be pushing for that before the end of the season.”

Race result
1. V. Rossi 44’08.061; 2. D. Pedrosa +3.890; 3. C. Stoner +15.928; 4. J. Lorenzo +22.494; 5. M. Melandri +26.957; 6. N. Hayden +28.369; 7. C. Edwards +29.780; 8. T. Elias +30.225; 9. L. Capirossi +31.440; 10. S. Nakano +35.969; 12. J. Toseland +43.191

Championship standings (after round four)
1. D. Pedrosa 81; 2. J. Lorenzo 74; 3. V. Rossi 72; 4. C. Stoner 56; 5. L Capirossi 33; 6. J. Toseland 33; 7. C. Edwards 31; 8. N. Hayden 29; 9. A. Dovizioso 26; 10. J. Hopkins 26

BSB - Round 3 Oulton Park

BATTLING HARRIS BOUNCES BACK AND PROMISES AN UPSET
Bennetts British Superbike Championship
Round Three – 3-4-5 May – Oulton Park

Shane Byrne and Cal Crutchlow power into the Holiday Monday round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship on level terms but as they plan their tactics for riding the picturesque Oulton Park circuit they need to take check the form of both Michael Rutter and Karl Harris.

Rutter excelled in the recent Thruxton round, bagging a pair of thirds on the North West 200 Ducati while Harris, still sporting the bruises from his heavy crash last time out, has a good record at the Cheshire circuit, recording his best ever Superbike result, second, there last July.

Harris, who suffered facial and foot injuries when he was the innocent victim of another rider’s tumble, is determined to race on aboard the Rob Mac Yamaha and is promising to show the leading duo in the title stakes what might have been but for his untimely demised at the Hampshire circuit.

"I've seen the footage of the Thruxton crash a couple of times and it's just one of those things really,” said Harris. “The last thing I remember is seeing Sykesy crash and thinking ‘I better go left as his bike looks like it's going right' - but obviously it didn't!

“That's just racing. I feel spot on, though, and can't wait to get to Oulton Park as it's one of my favourite circuits. I've had some great results there over
the past few seasons with podium finishes. The team has worked so hard this season and it's time for our luck to change for the better."

The gritty Yorkshireman however faces a buoyant Crutchlow who is keen to add to his maiden race winning glory aboard the HM Plant Honda: “That was a massive career milestone for me – my best achievement in racing after winning the British Supersport crown. I couldn’t have written the script better, my first races for the team bring a second place and then that victory.”

Like Harris, the 22 year old Coventry rider has a good pedigree at Oulton Park: “This is a circuit that I love. It has everything. It is technical, a real riders circuit and to get the best out of it, you have to compromise on machines settings. There are some real tight and twisty corners, then fast turns. It is a circuit that I enjoy racing, though there is no time to relax on any of the laps.”

It promises to be a classic showdown with Rutter rejuvenated with his new team and Byrne comfortable and fast aboard the Airwaves Ducati: “The season has started so well for me. I am really enjoying riding this bike and looking forward to getting back to racing again. I achieved a podium here last year so I am looking forward to continuing my run of good form, securing more championship points and hopefully extending my championship lead.”

Adding to the action at the sharp end will be Tom Sykes and his Rizla Suzuki team-mate Atsushi Watanabe while Stuart Easton and Billy McConnell have their MSS Discovery Kawasakis well on the pace and SMT Honda have Tom Grant replacing the injured Adam Jenkinson.

Adding further depth and quality to the 34 strong grid is the duel for the Daily Star Cup, a race within a race for independent teams, in which John Laverty, riding the BuildbaseNW200 Ducati is setting a hot pace but he can expect determined challenges coming in from Tom Tunstall aboard the Hardinge Ice Valley Honda, Malcolm Ashley riding the MAR-ARP Kawasaki and former title winner James Buckingham on the Quay Garage Honda.

Around the two Superbike races there is a full supporting programme featuring the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship, the Relentless British 125GP Championship, the Metzeler National Superstock 600 and 1000 Championships and the Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup.

Practice and qualifying is through Saturday and Sunday with racing from 11.55 on Monday.

Superbikes on track

Saturday 3 May
10.20 – 11.10 and 14.05-14.55 free practice
Sunday 4 May
12.10 - 13.00 free practice,
15.05 – 15.55 Swan Combi 50 Roll for Pole grid deciding qualifying
Monday 5 May
09.05 – 09.20 warm-up practice
13.00 Bennetts British Superbike Race One – 18 laps
15.30 Bennetts British Superbike Race Two – 18 laps

Television schedule

Monday 5 May
12:30-16:30 - Live raceday - British Eurosport 2
Monday 5 May
19:30-21:00 – Highlights - British Eurosport 2
Tuesday 6 May
20:30-22:00 – Highlights - British Eurosport 2
Wednesday 7 May
01:10-02:05 – Highlights - Channel 4
Thursday 8 May
19:15-20:15 - Bennetts British Superbikes Extra - British Eurosport 2
Saturday 10 May
19:30-20:15 – Highlights - British Eurosport 2

Lap records - 2.692 miles International Circuit

Superbikes: Ryuichi Kiyonari, Honda, 1m 35.436s, 101.54mph
Supersport: Cal Crutchlow, Honda, 1m 39.357s, 97.53mph,
125GP: James Westmoreland, Honda, 1m 45.819s, 91.58mph
Superstock: Lee Jackson, Yamaha, 1m 40.051s, 96.85mph
600 Superstock to be established
Yamaha R1 to be established

Flashback - Rd 4 - 7 May 2007

Bennetts British Superbike Championship
Pole: G Lavilla, Ducati, 1m 35.430s
Race One - 17 laps
1 G Lavilla, Ducati, 27:29.245
2 L Haslam, Ducati, 27:29.464
3 R Kiyonari, Honda, 27:29.749

Fastest lap: S Byrne, Honda, 1m 36.206s, 100.73mph/162.10kph
Race Two - 17 laps

1 R Kiyonari, Honda, 27:33.097
2 L Haslam, Ducati, 27:35.274
3 S Byrne, Honda, 7:36.660
Fastest lap: J Rea, Honda, 1m 35.479s, 101.49mph/163.34kph
British Superbike Cup
Race One
1 J Buckingham, Honda, 28:42.212
Race Two
1 J Buckingham, Honda, 28:49.193

Rider’s view

“A circuit with its own special character, a bit up and down, challenging but fun to ride and somewhere that always makes for good racing,” Leon Haslam, HM Plant Honda

No snow at Thruxton as Byrne and Crutchlow take the spoils

After the opening round of the 2008 Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch was postponed due to snow a fortnight ago, race action finally got under way at Thruxton today (Sunday 20 April).

Following a dramatic afternoon of racing, Shane 'Shakey' Byrne and Cal Crutchlow will be leaving the Hampshire circuit happiest, after taking victories in race one and race two respectively. It was Cal Crutchlow who led the pack in race one, shadowed by team-mate Leon Haslam for the first few laps. Pole-sitter Byrne passed Haslam on lap four, diving through on the Airwaves Ducati, before moving on to pass Crutchlow at the front of the field. He did so on lap thirteen and held on for his fourth victory at Thruxton.

'Shakey' said: "We have come along way, and it is great to be back racing and get this result. I settled into the race and Cal was really going for it. I gout up to second and the gap was opening up. As I came across the line a few laps later my pitboard was showing plus zero so I thought I should pull me finger out, which I did! It is a great result for us."

Despite race two of the Bennetts British Superbike event resulting in a maiden class victory for HM Plant Honda man Cal Crutchlow, all the headlines are likely to focus on Rob Mac Yamaha rider Karl Harris, who suffered a catastrophic accident which resulted in a red flag and a restart. The Sheffield-born rider was lucky enough to walk away from being clattered in the face by an airborne Rizla Suzuki, and a broken nose seems good value considering the force of the collision.

After the restart Tom Sykes, on a spare bike after the Harris incident, took the initiative, however Crutchlow could sense a win and went for it with venom. Crutchlow - two laps after the lights went out for the second time - took to the front. After a superb race one, Michael Rutter got in the points again, on lap seven putting a move on Sykes, who by this time was going backwards.

Winner of race one, Shane Byrne, looked dangerous again. He had to wait until lap thirteen before having the opportunity to pass Rutter for second place, and even when he had made up the place it was a battle until the end to hold on.

After the disappointment of the snow-ravaged Brands Hatch, the Bennetts British Superbike Championship has returned with a vengeance, the action at Thruxton proving that it remains the most exhilarating domestic series in the world.

The Bennetts British Superbike Championship next visits Oulton Park on the 3-5 May.

Race one result:

1. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati); 2. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) +2.306s; 3. Michael Rutter (NW 200 Ducati) +3.573; 4. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) +10.949; 5. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +18.745

Race two result:

1. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda); 2. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) +1.807s; 3. Michael Rutter (NW 200 Ducati) +2.136s; 4. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +7.942s; 5. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +11.863s

Championship standings:

1. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 45pts; 2. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) 45pts; 3. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) 32pts; 4. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) 24pts; 5. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) 18pts.

Byrne & Crutchlow take the victories

Bennetts British Superbike Championship
Round Two – Thruxton

Shane Byrne and Cal Crutchlow were the race winners as the Bennetts British Superbike Championship began for real at Thruxton, and with them each taking a second place, they left the Hampshire circuit as the joint leaders of the series, ahead of the rejuvenated Michael Rutter who took a brace of third placings.

Byrne, riding the Airwaves Ducati, had repeated the pole starting ride of the snow aborted Brands Hatch opening round, but he was out-started by Leon Haslam and Michael Rutter, before Cal Crutchlow swooped ahead to lead at the end of the opening lap.

The Coventry rider, who had joined the HM Plant Honda team this season, held off the early challenges of his team-mate Haslam, before Byrne moved into second and began to challenge. Crutchlow held him at bay until the thirteenth lap when Byrne found a way through at Seagrave.

Once through, Byrne dictated terms from the front, winning comfortably by over two seconds, and he reflected: “We’ve come a long way to get running, and Cal was really going for it but I got through and it all worked out. The team has done a great job, but we had to look at what everyone else was doing and then do it for ourselves.”

Crutchlow was equally delighted: “Shane was keeping me on it – I just kept plugging away but when he came past, I couldn’t match him but it was a good race.” Rutter, who had started from the front row for the first time in two years, the podium finish aboard the NorthWest 200 Ducati, enthused: “Brilliant, I couldn’t dream of this. It is like Christmas again.”

Haslam, who slowed with tyre concerns, finishing that race in fourth place, took the initiative from the start next time out, running ahead of Byrne and Karl Harris whose first race had ended in machine problems on the second lap.

Byrne took the lead on the fourth lap with Crutchlow moving through into second from Rutter with Tom Sykes and Leon Haslam duelling for fourth ahead of Harris.

On the seventh lap, Sykes and Haslam touched at around 140mph, with Sykes high-sided off his Rizla Suzuki which bounced across the track, smashing into Harris. The race was stopped immediately to care for Harris who remarkably escaped serious injury as he later explained: “I don’t feel too bad apart from very sore knees and ankles.

“I look like I’ve been boxing in Las Vegas rather than racing a motorbike,” said Harris, who also suffered facial injuries, adding: “I’ll be back in the next round intent on the results I should have had here.”

On the re-start, Sykes, riding his spare machine, led the opening lap, but Crutchlow soon took him and began his charge to maiden race winning glory.

“When I led in the first race, it was the first time that I had led a Superbike race so to win next time was unexpected, though it is something that I have worked hard for through the close season.

“The team have done a fantastic job for me and I was able to control the second race from the front – winning is great, fantastic, but when I signed for HM Plant Honda, I knew that I was joining a championship winning team, and there is no reason why we cannot push for that.”

Byrne took second place, to jointly lead the championship with Crutchlow on 45 points, while Rutter, again third, and taking his first double podium finish since Knockhill in 2005, has scored 32 points to be in third place in the standings.

John Laverty, riding the BuildbaseNW Ducati, powered in a winning double in the Daily Star Cup, finishing clear of Chris Burns, aboard the STP MV Agusta in the first race and then the Riders Honda of Martin Jessopp next time out.
Steve Mercer and Malcolm Ashley took the third placings.

Results – Round Two – Bennetts British Superbike Championship – Thruxton

Race one – 20 laps
1 Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 25m 33.903secs, 110.58mph
2. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) +2.306s
3. Michael Rutter (NW 200 Ducati) +3.573
4. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) +10.949
5. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +18.745
6. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +19.048s
7. James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +19.406s
8. Simon Andrews (Jentin Racing/Lloyds British) +22.403s
9. Stuart Easton (MSS Discovery Kawasaki) +22.709
10. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +23.902s

Race two – 15 laps
1. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) 19m 05.302secs, 111.08mph
2. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) +1.807s
3. Michael Rutter (NW 200 Ducati) +2.136s
4. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +7.942s
5. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +11.863s
6. Stuart Easton (MSS Discovery Kawasaki) +12.461s
7. James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +13.632s
8. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +18.759s
9. Guy Martin (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) +23.395s
10. Billy McConnell (MSS Discovery Kawasaki) +23.899s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings after Thruxton:
1. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 45
= Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) 45
3. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) 32
4. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) 24
5. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) 18
= James Ellison (Hydrex Bike Animal Honda) 18
7. Stuart Easton (MSS Discovery Kawasaki) 17
= Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 17
9. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) 13
10. John Laverty (Buildbase NW200 Ducati) 9

Bennetts BSB is go, go, go!

Tension is mounting in the 2008 Bennetts British Superbike Championship paddock ahead of the opening round of the series, which takes place at Thruxton this weekend. Teams and riders had initially been prepared for the season opener at Brands Hatch on 4-6 April, but were disappointed when heavy snowfall on race day resulted in the abandonment of all track activity.

The Brands Hatch event – which traditionally kick-starts the BSB season – has been rescheduled for 10-11 May, meaning that the first round officially takes place at the Thruxton airfield venue in Hampshire on Sunday. Although weather forecasts already look unpredictable for the weekend ahead, riders are preparing for the event with renewed optimism.

The 2008 Bennetts British Superbike series welcomes some newcomers as well some familiar faces to the paddock this weekend. British favourites Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda Racing), Leon Camier and Shane Byrne (both Airwaves Ducati) return to the grid looking for victory this season. However, they can expect a tough time from the likes of Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki), who impressed in 2007, and his team-mate and Japanese Superbike Champion Atsushi Watanabe.

Other familiar faces to return to the premier domestic Superbike championship this weekend include Sheffield’s Karl Harris, who rides for Rob McElnea’s new-look Yamaha outfit, and Michael Rutter who will be racing under the guise of North West 200 Ducati.

In addition, all eyes will be on Pirelli, who take over as the control tyre supplier to the Bennetts British Superbike and Supersport classes for the next three years. It’s hoped that the appointment of a single tyre supplier to the series will increase competitiveness between factory and privateer riders across the grid.

Official 2008 Bennetts British Superbike entry list

OFFICIAL 2008 BENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRY LIST
A healthy mix of experience and young-guns hungry for success feature in the 31 strong rider line-up confirmed for this year’s Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

The HM Plant Honda team, who have powered the champion in each of the past two seasons have Leon Haslam taking over the top ride and he is joined by 2006 British Supersport champion Cal Crutchlow.

Both have been on the pace in testing but face strong opposition from the Rizla Suzuki equipe featuring 2007 ‘rookie of the year’ Tom Sykes, paired with double-Japanese Superbike Champion Atsushi Watanabe. A third Suzuki, running in Relentless colours, in the hands of reigning British Supersport Champion Michael Laverty will also pose a threat.

Shane Byrne, British Superbike Champion with Ducati five years ago, is back with the latest racing version of the Italian bike, the 1098R, for the Airwaves team alongside Leon Camier.

Stuart Easton, another former Supersport title winner, lines up for the factory-backed MSS Discovery Kawasaki team, with Australian Billy McConnell as his teammate.

Guy Martin, renowned for his road racing abilities, rides for Hydrex–Bike Animal Honda alongside former MotoGP rider James Ellison, who has his elder brother Dean as a rival on the Co-ordit Yamaha.

Karl Harris, the fourth former Supersport champion on the grid, rides for Team Yamaha, while there is wealth of experience in the Hawk Kawasaki line-up in the shape of Scott Smart and James Haydon. Michael Rutter rides for the North West 200 Ducati team, while Chris Burns is aboard the STP MV-Agusta.

The Superbike Privateers Cup has a strong entry list, with Malcolm Ashley having Russian backing for his ARP Kawasaki as he takes on the likes of Tom Tunstall, Luke Quigley and Martin Jessopp.

The 12 round Bennetts British Superbike Championship begins at Brands Hatch on Sunday 6 April.

2008 BENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP - PROVISIONAL ENTRY LIST

NO	RIDER	NAT	HOME TOWN	TEAM
2	Leon Camier	GB	Wimborne	Airwaves Ducati
3	Stuart Easton	GB	Hawick	MSS-Discovery Kawasaki
4	Michael Laverty	GB	Toomebridge	Relentless Suzuki by TAS
5	Karl Harris	GB	Sheffield	RM Yamaha
6	James Haydon	GB	Berkhamsted	Hawk
7	James Ellison	GB	Kendal	Hydrex-Bike Animal Honda
8	Billy McConnell	AUS		MSS-Discovery Kawasaki
9	Guy Martin	GB	Kirmington	Hydrex-Bike Animal Honda
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