BSB: Byrne to miss opening races after warm-up crash

Reigning MCE British Superbike Champion Shane Byrne will miss the opening races of the season after a heavy fall in morning warm-up.

Byrne went down heavily at Craner curves towards the end of the session, which had been extended following the cancellation of yesterday’s qualifying.

Lying second fastest at the time, he was assessed by trackside medics before being taken to the medical centre by ambulance, where it was confirmed that he would be unfit to ride after taking a bang to the head in the incident.

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Confirming the news to MCN, team boss Paul Bird said: “Shakey won’t be riding today as he has been declared unfit with a concussion after the incident in warm up. This obviously isn’t the start to the season we were hoping for.” 

Byrne was set to start the season opener from fifth on the grid after starting positions were taken from the combined free practice times. His absence will move James Ellison to fifth on the grid, with John Hopkins now joining the Cumbrian and Peter Hickman on the second row. 

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