The Bennetts British Superbike Championship returns from a brief summer break with the series’ second trip of the season to
Oulton Park.
After a dose of controversy to go with the ever-close racing, the previous Oulton Park round of the championship was certainly a memorable one, although it was Shane Byrne’s double victory that is perhaps most notable.
Indeed, that weekend signalled Byrne’s first double victory with the Airwaves Ducati team, a result that would prove to be just the tip of the iceberg as he continues his relentless charge towards the title.
Tipping over the half way point in the season, Byrne’s 97 point advantage means he effectively has four races in hand over second place Cal Crutchlow, but with no intention of letting up, the advantage is certainly with him this weekend.
Indeed, his double victory at Oulton Park in May is still fresh in both his and his rivals’ memories, ensuring that he will no doubt be the rider to beat once again.
Still, while Byrne’s place at the top of the standings has been a constant since the season opener, there have been plenty of changes behind as the fight for podium places gets tougher and tougher.
Although Mallory Park was a washout for Leon Camier, the
Snetterton winner will appreciate getting a second chance around one of his favourite circuits on an Airwaves Ducati bike he knows considerably better than he did previously.
The same can be said for Cal Crutchlow, Leon Haslam and Tom Sykes, who are the other riders who are probably closest to beating Byrne this weekend.
Of these, only Crutchlow has won a race this season. The HM Plant Honda rider moved back ahead of Camier for second in the standings at
Mallory Park, but admits he needs to win this weekend if he has any chance to closing down Byrne’s mammoth advantage.
However, while Crutchlow has certainly settled into the team, it has taken Haslam considerably longer and he heads to Oulton Park keen to break his duck with Havier Beltran’s outfit.
