Round 5 - MCE British Superbike Championship - Knockhill - Race Day
Race day came around in what seemed like a blink of an eye, and before long the fans descended on the Scottish circuit to enjoy the days events. The weather thankfully had dried up for the mornings warm up session and the circuit was soon full of the familiar sound of roaring superbikes.
It was Shakey Byrne who topped warm up and headed into race one on top, a common trend in the weekends action so far. Ellison finished second in the session followed by Kiyonari, undoubtedly hoping to keep his name in top top three for the following two races and bag himself his first podium of the year so far.
Between warm up and race one Club MCE members took to the track for a flying tour of the circuit! Pillion, sidecar and safety car laps were the feast of the day with a number of members being treated to a whirlwind tour which was relished by all involved. The members also got a chance to meet Michael Laverty to discuss his MCE BSB season so far and his MotoGP ties, especially to his close link to the Aprilia, which he has been testing for the team.
Before we knew it race one was upon us and the grid was populated by eager riders awaiting the race start. It was Shakey Byrne who finished in first position following an incident packed race. Easton made a good start but Byrne was quick to make his intentions known to his teammate. Before long the safety car was deployed as Backlund crashed out leaving debris on the track and the riders bunching up ready for the race restart. Linfoot, Ellison and Kiyonari all crashed out in turn seven in the following few laps, however the marshal's declared there was no issue with the track.
Laverty finished the race in second position, however received a one second podium following an illegal overtake in a yellow flag zone, pushing Easton up to second and Josh Brookes getting on the podium overall.
Knockhill didn't have long to wait until race two, and much like race one it didn't seem to follow the script. Laverty leapt off the line and looked comfortable on the Tyco BMW, Ellison was chasing and attempted an overtake however ran wide and pushed himself back to 24th position and way out of contention. Byrne was pressing Laverty and forced an error just before the race was red flagged due to rain. After a short break the riders set out on an 11 lap sprint in which Byrne never really seemed in doubt for a first place finish. Mossey had an incredible sprint, however crashed out in the penultimate lap ending his race. Shakey Byrne, Easton and Brookes who made up the podium, followed by Kiyonari, O'Halloran and Laverty.
The Scottish fans, as ever, made this one to remember! With the MCE BSB nearing the halfway stage next we head to Brands Hatch where Byrne will be hoping to continue his current winning ways at his home circuit. However, his PBM teammate, Easton, is hot on his heels, and Brookes will be on the hunt for that elusive first place finish that he is yet to bag in 2015. Bring it on!
05.07.2015 - Big Ed
Comment Not found