Round 7 - MCE British Superbike Championship - Thruxton - Free Practice
The opening session of the MCE British Superbike series was always going to be an interesting one, Byrne and Brookes will have known the importance of getting off on the right foot this weekend with only five points separating the two.
It was Josh Brookes who managed to finish the session on top, pipping Byrne to the post by a narrow 0.134s. With six manufacturers in the top ten and 0.9s covering the top 14 it is great to see the diversity of the MCE BSB grid alongside the vast amount of talented riders that are giving every session their all.
Over the 45 minute session a number of names were in contention, but it was the Milwaukee Yamaha rider that was able to make the best start to the weekend. With Shakey in second the top three was made up with Danny Buchan, who crashed out unhurt in the final few minutes. Richard Cooper was fourth fastest with Westmoreland and Hopkins making up the top 6.
When free practice two rolled around the outcome remained the same with Brookes taking the top spot with a 0.161s lead. It wasn't Byrne who took the second spot on this occasion however, with John Hopkins able to get to grips with the Ducati Panigale at the team's home circuit. Richard Cooper made up the top three, the Anvil Hire TAG Kawasaki man is evidently hoping to capitalise on his impressive double podium at Brands and do the same again at Thruxton. James Westmoreland finished fourth fastest followed by Mossey and Iddon. Shane Byrne was twelfth fastest in the second session.
After two fantastic sessions, tomorrow is the day where we will have a true indication on how the weekend will play out. Can Brookes replicate his double win at Thruxton last year? We all know an MCE BSB round is never boring, with a shedload of thrills and spills thrown in, we're certain it's going to be one to remember! Bring it on!
31.07.2015 - Big Ed
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