Shane Byrne has won what he describes as one of the finest races of his career after an astonishing ride to British Superbike victory at a wet and rainy
Snetterton.
Effectively winning the race from 13th place after being delayed on the opening lap, ‘Shakey' was relentless as he scythed his way through the field to take a remarkably comfortable seventh win of the season over team-mate Leon Camier.
With the race delayed by more than an hour when the combination of a sudden shower and a lengthy clean-up operation from an earlier race, the second race of the day began in damp conditions.
At the start, Camier got the best getaway to win the race down to the greasy first bend, the Airwaves Ducati emerging out of the melee ahead of the fast starting Karl Harris and Byrne. Just behind, meanwhile, Scott Smart was the first victim when he tumbled off his Kawasaki coming out of the first corner.
The second loser would turn out to be Harris, who got out of shape at the Bombhole and dramatically high-sided off his Yamaha. Although most of the field dodged him, Byrne was brought to a virtual standstill as Harris clambered out of his immediate path.
Ending the first lap down in 13th place, it seemed Byrne's 100 per cent podium record this year was under a significant threat. By contrast, Camier was looking good for a double win as he established a good lead at the front.
He led Michael Rutter initially, although it was Cal Crutchlow who was soon giving chase as he recovered from another dismal start. All eyes were on Byrne though as he weaved his way through the traffic, passing some bikes two at a time on to end lap two in an outstanding seventh place.
The passing manoeuvres continued to come thick and fast, Byrne using Riches, the Esses and the Russell Chicane to make his way past his rivals. It was only when he reached Leon Haslam in third place that his mission began to stutter.
