BSB: Byrne holds off Brookes for Snetterton double

Shane Byrne held off a strong challenge from Anvil Hire Yamaha’s Josh Brookes to storm to a stunning double in the Snetterton sunshine this afternoon.

While Byrne got a better start than his characteristically-bad first race launch, it was Brookes who took the holeshot and controlled the race at the front with a relatively sedate pace in the early stages.

Brookes was chased by Ellison and Byrne, who remained close to the tail of the yellow Yamaha for the first half of the race.

Byrne moved through on Ellison at the mid-way point, before disaster struck for the McAMS Yamaha rider for the second time today as he crashed out of the race.

This gave Brookes and Byrne breathing space at the front, with John Hopkins and Jason O’Halloran chasing behind.

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While Brookes’ had rapid pace, Byrne was slightly quicker and clocked a new race lap record as he reeled in his former arch-rival before taking the lead at turn one with two laps to go.

While Brookes was able to stay with Shakey, he wasn’t able to get close enough to make a pass and was forced to settle for second.

Honda’s Jason O’Halloran took Hopkins for third in the closing stages to complete a double podium, while the American was then pipped to the line for fourth by Knockhill double winner Jake Dixon.

Peter Hickman crossed the line sixth for Smiths BMW ahead of Dan Linfoot and the injured Leon Haslam, while Sylvain Guintoli and Luke Mossey rounded out the top ten. 

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