BSB: Byrne pragmatic about missing opening races

Reigning MCE British Superbike Champion Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne is looking on the brightside after being sidelined for the 2017 season opener at Donington Park following a heavy crash in morning warm-up. 

Byrne went down hard as he tucked the front at Craner curves mid-way throught he warm-up session, banging his head while being tossed across the high speed section of track. Dazed and confused, the 40-year-old didn’t know where he was until he was in the back of the ambulance meaning medics instantly ruled him unfit to ride.

While rival Leon Haslam enjoyed a perfect weekend with two wins and 50 points, Byrne remains positive and is hoping this will be one of the years BSB’s Showdown format plays into his favour. 

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“It was disappointing to sit out the races today but I’ve been around racing long enough to know things like this happen,” he said. “The good news is that nothing is broken and after a couple of day’s rest, I’ll be absolutely fine.

“The championship hasn’t been won today and there’re an awful lot more races there for us to win. I’m going off to Spain to relax and have a few days in the sun to recover and I intend to bounce back at Brands Hatch in a couple of weeks’ time.”

For Byrne’s full reaction to his round one absence, pick up Wednesday’s MCN. 

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