BSB: Byrne: 'I'm just trying to enjoy myself'

Shane Byrne has said he’s approaching this weekend’s MCE British Superbike title decider in a different way after topping both free practice sessions on Friday.

The five-time British Champion reckons he’s been determined not to let the fact he’s 33-points behind in the title chase get to him ahead of this weekend and channel his focus into enjoying riding at his home round in front of family and friends.

Without a problem for Haslam this weekend, Byrne is unlikely to clinch a sixth MCE BSB crown and accepting that, the local star is out to win three races and plans to leave his championship chances to the Gods.   

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“To be honest, I’m just enjoying it,” Byrne told MCN after the opening day. “After the disastrous few rounds we’ve had, I’ve tried not to drive myself crackers, train myself to death, diet more or whatever to come back as a stronger person. I decided I’d come here and enjoy myself at my home track. I’ve got lots of friends and family here, I want to enjoy the last weekend of the year with the boys, enjoy riding the bike and what will be will be.

“There’s absolutely no way I can overhaul 33 points in three races if Leon doesn’t have any issues, so all I can do is try and win all three and let destiny take its course. That being said, this is BSB! There are going to be plenty of P45 riders who all of a sudden find a bit of form this weekend. There are lots of riders with a point to prove who have done naff all all year!

“There’ll be plenty of people in the mix but we’ll concentrate on ourselves and see if we can get the job done. The bike feels OK, we need some speed in the last two sectors and the boys are working on it. We think we know what we need to do to improve that.” 

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