Shane Byrne celebrated the 50th win of his British Superbike career on Sunday, and admitted he reached the milestone quicker than he expected.

The Sittingbourne rider won the second race of a triple header at Oulton Park in Cheshire and finished second in the other two to clinch his place in the end-of-season Showdown.

Byrne said: “I started the season on 41 and needed two more to set the record for race wins. When I got them quickly I remember thinking I’d love to get to 50 by the end of the season.

“I’ve managed it with five rounds and 11 races to go, which shows what a good year we’re having.

“My first win came at Donington Park in 2002 and I remember it like it was yesterday. The 50th was just as much fun and that’s what it’s all about.”

Byrne is 29 points clear of Josh Brookes in the championship and has 12 more podium credits than his title rival.

The next round of the championship is next weekend at Cadwell Park and Byrne added: “We have two rounds to hopefully improve the bike before the Showdown and give us the fastest and most reliable package possible.”