RD2 - Oulton Park - MCE Insurance British Superbikes
Teams and riders of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship headed to the scenic Oulton Park for Round 2 last weekend. After a double win for three times champion Shane 'Shakey' Byrne at Brands Hatch it was up to the other riders to step up to the plate and stop the bookies favourite from gaining more early wins and podium credits.
Race 1
Race 1 and it was the Byrne that dominated. After securing pole position in qualifying Shakey started the race well and got away at the front. The safety car was soon out and slowing things up after Simon Andrews crashed his RAF reserves Honda. Once the car was back in Shakey was clear to move off and take the race win. Josh Brookes was the only rider who attempted to catch him finding pace in the final laps but it was too little too late though and Shakey stormed to victory.
James Ellison secured himself another respectable 3rd place behind Brookes whilst his teammate Chris 'the stalker' Walker crashed out. Tommy Bridewell on the other Milwaukee Yamaha picked up 4th place beating Stuart Easton, Dan Linfoot and Richard Cooper after a lot of battles mid race.
American talent John Hopkins had a poor race 1 returning to the pits after 14 laps because the bike wasn't working for him. His Tyco team struggled all weekend with set up after missing the official test the week before.
It was heartbreak for Ryuichi Kiyonari in race 1 also. A few years back Oulton Park was known as one of the strongest for the three times champ, but luck was not on his side. After a fantastic riding display to get himself within touching distance of 3rd place with only 2 laps to go his Buildbase BMW gave up on him and he was forced to retire.
Race 2
Race 2 was similar to race 1 in many ways but instead of Byrne out front it was Brookes. Josh did not have such an easy time of it though as Shakey stayed with him throughout the race, literally on his back wheel. There were many moments where Josh would pull away only for Shakey to reel him back in. In the final laps Brooke's defensive riding shone through and whatever Shakey tried he could not get past the Milwaukee Yamaha. Josh took the victory breaking Shakey's clean sheet.
Ellison on the Lloyds GBmoto Kawasaki managed to hold third place without much bother and get himself on the podium for the 4th time this year. Shakey's teammate Stuart Easton did a fantastic job of getting up to 4th place through a field of Tommy Bridewell, James Westmoreland and Dan Linfoot. The Staker was also in this mix fighting for positions.
Hopkins again had a poor race only managing to finish 9th on the struggling Suzuki and it was another disaster for Kiyo after he crashed out meaning he'd leave the meeting without a point gained.
Club MCE
Club MCE members had a great couple of days at Oulton Park enjoying all sorts of benefits and experiences including Official Pit Crew with Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki, grid walks, VIP hospitality, Pillion Laps and Safety car laps to name a few. Some lucky Club members got to make use of the MCE Superview, watching the racing from pit lane and the podium. 'Hang out with a rider' took on grid with James Ellison, giving club members the chance to ask him about Oulton, the racing and what he was having for dinner! A number of Club members also took part in the brand new Inside Track Experience, getting to go behind the scenes at Oulton Park and see things no one else does! There was also exclusive pit access for members on qualifying day giving them a chance to meet the riders and view the bikes without the crowds. A fantastic weekend had by all!
Next round is Snetterton on the 13th-15th of June. We've got a bit of a wait but in the meantime MCE BSB stars will be taking part in the Northwest 200 and the Isle of Mann TT. How will Brookes get on this year? Can Jessopp make a mark? How will newcomer and MCE BSB favourite Pete Hickman do? Can Hutchy return to his winning ways? We've got it all to watch over the coming weeks!
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For more information on the series visit MCE Insurance British superbikes
07.05.2014 - MCE Insurance
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