The Showdown - A Guide
Round 9 of the MCE Insurance British Superbikes is a special one, it's the showdown decider. The series has run the 'showdown' since 2010 and it's designed to make sure there is no clear winner until the last round of the championship making for more exciting, down to the wire racing. Here's a little guide to how it all works.
The first 9 rounds of the championship are as normal; riders battle it out to gain points to get themselves into a top 6 position. The top six after the ninth round then become 'title fighters' and are the only riders who have the chance to become Champion. Their points are evened up to 500 with the added bonus of podium credits. Podium credits are gained in the main season and equate to 3 for a win, 2 for a second and 1 for a third.
Once in the showdown the top six then battles it out as normal for the last 7 races and at the end the Champion is decided.
This year 3 riders are already safe in the showdown, reigning champ Shane 'Shakey' Byrne; fan favourite Alex Lowes and the out-spoken Aussie Josh Brookes. James Ellison is almost safe; Ryuichi Kiyonari and Jon Kirkham fill the last two spots but have the likes of James Westmoreland and Tommy Bridewell coming up behind them.
Shakey is already in a fantastic position with podium credits as he's had 9 wins, 3 seconds and 2 thirds which equals 35 points before he's even begun. Alex has been consistent and his double win at Cadwell has helped him gain 27 podium credits. Brookes creeps behind with 22.
It's going to be a close finish to the season whatever happens thanks to the showdown. Make sure you tune in to Big Ed's Facebook over the Donington Park weekend on the 6th, 7th and 8th of September to see what happens and see who makes the top six.
30.08.13 - Big Ed
