BSB: Five titles 'not enough' for champion Byrne

He might be the most successful rider in the British Superbike Championship’s 20-year history and set to turn 40 over the winter break, but Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne has decided that five titles just isn’t enough and plans to return to the series next year.

While a deal is yet to be done, the southerner is almost certain to remain in arms with his trusted boss Paul Bird for the 2017 season.

“I’m not done yet!” he told MCN. “Five titles certainly isn’t enough, I don’t know how many will be but right now I’m enjoying my racing more than ever before. I’ve had brief conversations with Paul about 2017 but I’d say there’s a very high chance we’ll be together again next year and going for title number six, and our third together! 

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Should this deal come off, it sounds as though there’ll be no change at Be Wiser Ducati for 2017 with team boss Paul Bird confirming his plans to keep Glenn Irwin on board next year after a successful rookie campaign.

“Glenn’s done a good job this year and has shown that he can make it as a Superbike rider so it only seems right to give him another chance. We’ve not dotted the ‘I’s and crossed the ‘T’s but it’s fairly certain he’ll be with us next year and the same goes for Shakey.” 

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