A sun soaked Brands Hatch played host to the first round of the British Superbike Championship. The racing was action packed as the title contenders battled it out on the track. Returning BSB hero Shane Byrne had been on scorching form in qualifying beating Gregorio Lavilla’s lap record.”Shakey” Byrne maintained his form to take the first race win on the HM Plant Honda Fireblade. The race was action packed with spectacular crashes for Michael Laverty on the Swan Yamaha and a huge high side for Josh Brookes on the Relentless Suzuki on the exit of Paddock Hill. Last years title contender Tommy Hill took second on the Swan Yamaha with Tom Bridewell third on the Tyco Honda Fireblade. Defending champion Ryuichi Kiyonari suffered technical problems in the race and retired early on.
Race two again saw the HM Plant Honda’s of Byrne and Kiyonari battling with the Swan Yamaha’s of Hill and Laverty. Brookes who had suffered concussion in race 1 sat this one out. Jon Kirkham was forced to retire on the warm lap after suffering technical problems on the Crescent Racing Samsung Suzuki. Hill passed Byrne at Graham Hill Bend and never surrendered the lead. Kiyonari held off Bryne to take second place with Laverty finishing in fourth, a huge effort following his high speed crash in race one. Stuart Easton on the MSS Colchester Kawasaki put in strong showings in both races taking a fouth in race one and fifth in race two. Tommy Hill leads the championship going in to Round 2 this weekend at Oulton Park.
