Sheppey's motorbike champion Shane 'Shakey' Byrne returns to Brands Hatch this weekend a year after breaking his neck in a horror crash.

But this time, the Bennetts British Super Bike winner will be in the commentary box instead of on his Ducati bike.

Byrne, who went to Borden Grammar School, Sittingbourne, has won the title six times.

He last stood on the podium of the Kent circuit in 2017.

But before he could return to the track last year he broke his neck when his bike spun out of control during a practice session at Snetterton in May.

Despite the injury, Byrne, a dad-of-two, has made a remarkable recovery.

After spending months with a metal halo bolted into his head to restrict movement he is mobile again.

The 42-year-old said: “For me, Brands Hatch is the home of BSB. It doesn’t get any better than that.

“I don’t care what anybody says, it is the spiritual home. I think the fans that come along to Brands are in for a real treat.

"The circuit lends itself to great racing and I’m smiling just talking about going there.”

He will be compering for Eurosport.

The event kicks off today with practice followed by Saturday's qualifying and two headline Bennetts BSB races on Sunday.

There is a free music concert on Saturday night with tribute acts Guns not Roses and Hot Red Chilli Peppers.

Fans can also meet their BSB heroes at a free pit walk and autograph session on the Sunday.

This year MotoGP convert Scott Redding, who leads the championship by six points after a triple win at Donington Park, will be head-to-head with 2015 champion Josh Brookes, who scored a double at Oulton Park in the second round, in a bid to win a £75,000 bounty.

Kent rider Bradley Ray, who took two wins on the opening weekend of last season, has endured a tough start to the season and will be hoping the home advantage will give him a boost.

Advance adult tickets start at £28 with discounts for teens (13-15). Children under 13 go free.

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