Superbikes set for Brands
Hatch opener

The MCE Insurance British Superbike series (BSB) is about to
explode onto the scene at this weekend’s season opener at Brands
Hatch, on the short ‘Indy’ circuit.

Riders have been changing camps and machinery during the close
season and Kent’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne is making a comeback riding
in one of the top teams of the series, HM Plant Honda, alongside
the defending champion, Ryuichi Kiyonari.

Byrne (pictured) was one of a host of home riders to
make the world jump after a 2008 British Superbike season that saw
him clock an impressive 10 wins and consequently run away with the
title.

He failed to continue his domestic dominance in the World
Superbike paddock in 2009, and, with his Sterilgarda Ducati team
folding, Byrne jumped to Althea Racing for the 2010 campaign but
struggled to get going, dropping to 10th before opting to rejoin
the British paddock.

"It is exciting to come back and join a team whose riders
finished first and second last year," said Byrne.

"I certainly feel in myself as a rider that I could stay in the
worlds and do a good job but I have come back to ride on tracks
that I know like the back of my hand. I’ve not come back to wobble
around, I want to win another title.

"I was flattered with the number of teams who gave me offers but
to have someone like HM Plant Honda saying they could do something
if I wanted to ride with them meant I didn’t take a lot of
persuading. It is a really, really exciting opportunity."

Maidstone rider Scott Smart will compete in the Evo class of the
Superbike championship, with the Moto Rapido Ducati team,
confidence boosted by first and second place finishes in the UAE
Sport Bike series in Dubai last weekend.

British Eurosport 2 will be broadcasting every round of the MCE
Insurance British Superbike Championship. The channel is available
on Sky 411 & Virgin Media 525. Watch online via the Eurosport
Player www.eurosportplayer.co.uk