British Superbike News

The British Superbike Championship is at Oulton Park on Bank Holiday Monday and the teams are raring to go.

Shane Byrne and Cal Crutchlow head to the next round of the championship on level terms, but both riders are likely to be put under pressure by Michael Rutter and Karl Harris.

Michael Rutter on the North West 200 Ducati, took two third places at the Thruxton round while Karl Harris took a bike in the face.

Karl is still bruised from the bizarre accident at the Hampshire circuit and said “I’ve seen the footage of the Thruxton crash a couple of times and it’s just one of those things really.  The last thing I remember is seeing Sykesy crash and thinking ‘I better go left as his bike looks like it’s going right – but obviously it didn’t!”

He added “That’s just racing.  I feel spot on, though, and can’t wait to get to Oulton Park as it’s one of my favourite circuits.  I’ve had some great results there over the past few seasons with podium finishes.  The team has worked so hard this season and it’s time for our luck to change for the better.”

Cal Crutchlow, who took a second in the first race and won the second at the Thruxton circuit for the HM Honda team said, “That was a massive career milestone for me – my best achievement in racing after winning the British Supersport crown.  I couldn’t have written the script better, my first races for the team bring a second place and then a victory.

He also enjoys riding at this circuit and added “This is a circuit that I love.  It has everything.  It is technical, a real riders circuit and to get the best out of it, you have to compromise on machine settings.  There are some real tight and twisty corners, then fast turns.  It is a circuit that I enjoy racing, though there is no time to relax on any of the laps.”

Shane Byrne, who took the victory in race one and second in race two at Thruxton on the Airwaves Ducati said “The season has started so well for me.  I am really enjoying riding this bike and looking forward to getting back to racing again.  I achieved a podium here last year so I am looking forward to continuing my run of good form, securing more championship points and hopefully extending my championship lead.”

Practice and qualifying for the Monday race, will be on Saturday and Sunday, with the first racing starting on Monday at 11.55am