MCE British Superbike Championship
Brands Hatch GP Circuit
Kent, England
October 16, 2016
Race Two Results (all on Pirelli tires):
1. James Ellison, UK (Kaw ZX-10R), 20 laps, Total Race Time 29:22.973, Best Lap Time 1:26.722
2. John Hopkins, USA (Yam YZF-R1), -0.093 second, 1:26.738
3. Peter Hickman, UK (Kaw ZX-10R), -4.559 seconds, 1:27.111
4. Dan Linfoot, UK (Hon CBR1000RR SP), -16.969, 1:28.129
5. Leon Haslam, UK (Kaw ZX-10R), -24.422, 1:27.486
6. Shane Byrne, UK (Duc Panigale R), -24.513, 1:27.332
7. Glenn Irwin, UK (Duc Panigale R), -26.109, 1:27.868
8. Tommy Bridewell, UK (Suz GSX-R1000), -26.679, 1:27.421
9. Jason O’Halloran, Australia (Hon CBR1000RR SP), -26.752, 1:27.932
10. Luke Mossey, UK (Kaw ZX-10R), -27.043, 1:27.637
17. James Rispoli, USA (Yam YZF-R1), -52.611, 1:29.181
Race Three Results (all on Pirelli tires):
1. James Ellison, UK (Kaw ZX-10R), 10 laps, Total Race Time 14:27.589, Best Lap Time 1:26.195
2. John Hopkins, USA (Yam YZF-R1), -0.083 second, 1:26.202
3. Shane Byrne, UK (Duc Panigale R), -0.254, 1:25.516
4. Leon Haslam, UK (Kaw ZX-10R), -0.335, 1:25.737
5. Christian Iddon, UK (BMW S1000RR), -0.896, 1:26.114
6. Dan Linfoot, UK (Hon CBR1000RR SP), -2.245 seconds, 1:26.016
7. Ryuichi Kiyonari, Japan (BMW S1000RR), -6.139, 1:26.493
8. Tommy Bridewell, UK (Suz GSX-R1000), -6.428, 1:26.022
9. Luke Mossey, UK (Kaw ZX-10R), -6.566, 1:26.402
10. Broc Parkes, Australia (Yam YZF-R1), -6.635, 1:26.234
27. James Rispoli, USA (Yam YZF-R1), DNF, mechanical
Championship Point Standings (after 26 of 26 races):
1. Byrne, 669 points
2. Haslam, 640
3. Ellison, 610
4. Linfoot, 602
5. O’Halloran, 568
6. Mossey, 550
7. Hickman, 233
8. Michael Laverty, 202
9. Iddon, 199
10. Richard Cooper, 193
14. Hopkins, 105
27. TIE, Vittorio Iannuzzo/Rispoli, 3
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Shakey’s ‘strive for five’ complete with 2016 title at Brands Hatch season finale
Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne celebrated an unprecedented fifth MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship title at his home circuit of Brands Hatch this afternoon after a season-long battle with arch rival Leon Haslam.
Byrne held a 27 point advantage ahead of the second race of the weekend and the Kent contender knew what he needed to do to deliver the title for the Be Wiser Ducati team to strengthen his statistics as the most successful rider in the history of the series.
Ellison had hit the front of the field in the second race of the weekend in drying conditions on the Grand Prix circuit ahead of Christian Iddon and John Hopkins but title rivals Haslam and Byrne were initially languishing outside the top ten on the opening lap.
The pair were on the move and then continued to gain ground, but at the front the leading trio had edged away from the pack and Ellison ensured that he defended hard to hold off his American rival who scored the ePayMe Yamaha team their first podium finish.
Race one winner Peter Hickman was back on the podium for the second consecutive race after Iddon suffered the heartbreak of a technical problem with just two laps remaining which forced him out of third place.
Haslam and Byrne had battled the nerves of the title fight to move into fifth and sixth respectively after some hard charging moves on Glenn Irwin, Tommy Bridewell and Jason O’Halloran who dropped to ninth in the closing stages of the race.
Ellison was focused on a repeat performance in race two and he gave it his all to celebrate a double victory to claim third in the overall standings and end his 2016 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship season on a high in a ten lap sprint for the third and final race of the season.
The race began with Ellison, Hopkins and Ryuichi Kiyonari duelling at the front of the field, but the race was red flagged when James Rispoli’s Anvil Hire TAG Yamaha suffered a technical problem, leaving an oil line at Hawthorn.
A ten lap restart saw a sprint race to the finish line, again Ellison hitting the lead at Paddock Hill Bend on the opening lap with Hopkins, Kiyonari and Iddon in close contention. Iddon was instantly attacking and on the second lap fired the Tyco BMW ahead of Kiyonari at Paddock Hill Bend, closely followed by a hard-charging Haslam.
Ellison was under pressure from the growing freight train; Hopkins, Iddon, Haslam and 2016 champion Byrne were all battling for the final podium positions of 2016. An incredible scrap went all the way down to the wire with Haslam and Byrne making contact on the final lap in their last dash for supremacy in 2016.
Byrne made it through to third, pushing Haslam back to fourth on the final lap as Ellison celebrated the final spoils of the 2016 season ahead of double podium finish Hopkins for the ePayMe Yamaha team.
MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, race two result:
James Ellison (JG Speedfit Kawasaki)
John Hopkins (ePayMe Yamaha) +0.093s
Peter Hickman (JG Speedfit Kawasaki) +4.559s
Dan Linfoot (Honda Racing) +21.528s
Leon Haslam (JG Speedfit Kawasaki) +24.422s
Shane Byrne (Be Wiser Ducati) +24.513s
Glenn Irwin (Be Wiser Ducati) +26.109s
Tommy Bridewell (Bennetts Suzuki) +26.679s
Jason O’Halloran (Honda Racing) +26.752s
Luke Mossey (Quattro Plant Teccare Kawasaki) +27.043s
MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, race three:
James Ellison (JG Speedfit Kawasaki)
John Hopkins (ePayMe Yamaha) +0.083s
Shane Byrne (Be Wiser Ducati) +0.254s
Leon Haslam (JG Speedfit Kawasaki) +0.335s
Christian Iddon (Tyco BMW) +0.896s
Dan Linfoot (Honda Racing) +2.245s
Ryuichi Kiyonari (Smiths Racing BMW) +6.139s
Tommy Bridewell (Bennetts Suzuki) +6.428s
Luke Mossey (Quattro Plant Teccare Kawasaki) +6.556s
Broc Parkes (ePayMe Yamaha) +6.635s
MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship standings:
Shane Byrne (Be Wiser Ducati) 669
Leon Haslam (JG Speedfit Kawasaki) 640
James Ellison (JG Speedfit Kawasaki) 610
Dan Linfoot (Honda Racing) 602
Jason O’Halloran (Honda Racing) 568
Luke Mossey (Quattro Plant Teccare Kawasaki) 550
For more information visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Shane Byrne (Be Wiser Ducati)
2016 MCE BSB champion
“I must admit, it’s a strange feeling to have won the championship with a sixth place finish but to do so with a new manufacturer is a massive achievement for both myself and the team.
“The conditions in the first race today were very tricky and the bike was strong in the wet part of the track and not so strong in the other parts so it made it very difficult to overtake. Leon came by and I realised I needed to keep one place behind him to clinch the title and whilst he pulled away initially, he gradually came back to me and we got the job done.
“Winning my fifth title will probably sink in later and it’s certainly a weight off my shoulders and whilst I was desperate to end with a win, we signed off with a podium.
“The whole Be Wiser Ducati team have worked incredibly hard all season long so a massive thank you to them especially my crew chief Giovanni, and team of Kev and Sam.”
More, from a press release issued by JG Speedfit Kawasaki:
TRIPLE DELIGHT AS JG SPEEDFIT KAWASAKI FINISH 2016 IN STYLE
16th October 2016 – Despite Leon Haslam missing out on winning the 2016 British Superbike title, the JG Speedfit Kawasaki team ensured it was a dominant final weekend at Brands Hatch, winning all three races with Peter Hickman and James Ellison, with James securing third in the Championship and Peter the Riders Cup title.
Following yesterday’s mixed day of action, which saw Leon and James crash out of the opening race of the weekend but team mate Peter claim victory, the JG Speedfit Kawasaki team were eager to end the 2016 season on a high today.
Sitting 27 points behind series leader Byrne ahead of Sunday’s opening race, Leon knew he had to beat Byrne in order to keep his title hopes alive to the final race. Following yesterday’s crash he would start the race from 23rd whilst James would be fourth and Pete second. Launching off the line, James and Pete entered a race long game of cat and mouse, with James eventually claiming his first victory of the season with Pete in third. Despite a stunning ride through the field to finish fifth, Leon was unable to take the fight for the crown to the final race.
With the track fully dry for the final race of the day, the JG Speedfit Kawasaki team were keen to keep their winning momentum going. After the initial running was red flagged, it was reduced to a ten lap sprint. Again getting a fantastic start, James led into the final corner and was able to hold on to claim a double victory and secure third in the Championship standings. Leon finished fourth with Pete in 12th. James’ victory ensured the JG Speedfit Kawasaki team has won 50% of the 2016 races.
Disappointed to miss out on his maiden title Leon Haslam said “This year has really been one highs and lows. We’ve had some issues but we’ve also had some fantastic races and I really want to thank the whole JG Speedfit Kawasaki team. This last round here at Brands has been really hard and we’ve had some issues but I’ve learnt a lot and know what to do next year! Generally, looking back on the year I’m really happy and all three of us in the team have worked brilliantly together. Unfortunately, I did all my crashing in the showdown but we’ve still scored the same amount of wins as Shakey, achieved more podiums and scored more points overall so I’m happy with that. It’s fired me up and I can’t wait for next year!”
Pleased to be taking his first double win, James Ellison explained, “I’ve been working at it all year and it’s great to get two wins together! The top ten this year has been unbelievably fast and we’ve been breaking lap records and setting fastest laps every round. I fought really hard in both races today and to get those two wins means everything – to get third in the championship too is great, particularly given the mid-season problems we had. Finishing third behind Shakey and Leon is no mean feat and I can move on to next year and come back to try and take that title!”
Securing the Riders Cup, Peter Hickman said “I’m absolutely over the moon to get the Riders Cup, it’s been a really strong season for us. After narrowly missing out on the Showdown my goal was to win the Cup so it’s mega to be leaving here with it. We’ve scored well over 200 points in the Championship which is the first time I’ve ever done that so massive thanks to the whole JG Speedfit Kawasaki team for giving me a package I can win races on – particularly in such a tough year. Hopefully we can come back next year and go even better.”
GBmoto Racing Team Principal, Mark Smith-Halvorsen concluded, “We’ve had another fantastic weekend, winning all three races which means we’ve won 50% of the 2016 races – which is an incredible feeling. Looking back at the year, I’m so proud of what the team has done; we’re the first team to achieve a podium lock out as well as have three riders win in a season, we won the Manufacturers Cup as well as the Riders Cup and also finished second and third overall. We might not be Champions, but I honestly believe we’ve been the best team.”
More, from a press release issued by Be Wiser Ducati:
High Fives As Byrne Crowned Champion At Brands
Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne claimed the 2016 MCE British Superbike Championship title in dramatic style at Brands Hatch today when he overcame the difficult autumnal conditions to win his fifth British Shane ByrneSuperbike Championship title.
After yesterday’s heroics where the 39-year-old Londoner increased his advantage to 27 points after main rival Leon Haslam crashed out in the wet conditions, heavy morning rain had left the 2.4-mile Kent GP circuit extremely damp but a dry line had appeared by the time the opening 20-lap race got underway although Shakey found himself running on the edge of the top ten on the factory backed Be Wiser Ducati Panigale R.
Keeping title rival Haslam in his sights, with just three laps to go, he overhauled team-mate Glenn Irwin for seventh and with Christian Iddon retiring on the penultimate lap, he moved up to sixth, one place behind Haslam. That was how they finished and the result clinched Shakey the 2016 MCE British Superbike Championship. Irwin, third in the opening race on Saturday on the Be Wiser Ducati Panigale R, ran in the top five for much of the race and although he was overhauled by Byrne and Haslam in the closing stages, he hung on for seventh to back up his third place of the previous day.
The third and final race of 2016 was only four laps old when it was red flagged due to an oil spillage, eventually getting underway again over the shorter distance of 10 laps. Shakey was back in eighth at the end of the first lap but by half race distance he was up to fifth and that became fourth with just three laps to go. The penultimate lap saw him up to third to eventually claim the final podium position to end his season and eventually win the championship by 29 points.
For 26-year-old Ulsterman Irwin, 17th wasn’t how he wanted his year to end but a poor start saw him close to the back of the field and although he made a few overtaking manoeuvres, the short race distance meant he was unable to climb any higher but 12th place overall was a good result in his rookie BSB year.
The result saw Byrne add to the titles he won in 2003, 2008, 2012 and 2014 and his result was enhanced by Paul Bird’s Penrith-based team taking their fifth BSB title too, adding the four of Shakey’s to the one won by Steve Hislop in 2002 to become the most successful team in the history of the championship.
Shane Byrne: “I must admit, it’s a strange feeling to have won the championship with a sixth place finish but to do so with a new manufacturer is a massive achievement for both myself and the team. The conditions in the first race today were very tricky and the bike was strong in the wet part of the track and not so strong in the other parts so it made it very difficult to overtake. Leon came by and I realised I needed to keep one place behind him to clinch the title and whilst he pulled away initially, he gradually came back to me and we got the job done. Winning my fifth title will probably sink in later and it’s certainly a weight off my shoulders and whilst I was desperate to end with a win, we signed off with a podium. The whole Be Wiser Ducati team have worked incredibly hard all season long so a massive thank you to them especially my crew chief Giovanni, and team of Kev and Sam.”
Glenn Irwin: “The second race today wasn’t how I wanted to end the year but I made a horrendous start and with it being such a short race there was no time to do anything. The race earlier in the day Glenn Irwinwas a lot better and overall it’s been a good year. It’s been tough at times without doubt but I’ve learnt a lot and made good progress whilst I haven’t had many DNFs or made too many mistakes. I’ve really enjoyed myself so a big thank you to the whole Be Wiser Ducati team, Paul Bird Motorsport and all my sponsors.”
Paul Bird, Team Owner: “To win our fifth title and become the most successful team ever in BSB means a lot to us especially with Ducati coming back with us after a long time away. It’s hard to find the words at present to describe just what we’ve achieved and for once I’m speechless! Conditions were difficult all weekend but you just have to deal with them and Shakey obviously showed his class once more. He knew what he needed to do, Shane Byrnedidn’t panic and delivered exactly what he had to. Glenn had a late season flurry of results and got his confidence back so it’s good to see him have a solid debut season in BSB.”