Source: Supplied.

Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne returned to winning ways in the opening of the three MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship races at Oulton Park, claiming his 67th career victory whilst his arch rival Josh Brookes carved his way through the pack from 30th to fourth.

PBM Kawasaki’s Byrne had earlier scorched his way to the pole position with the fastest ever two-wheeled lap of the Cheshire circuit and in the opening race he launched to an early lead ahead of Tommy Bridewell, James Ellison and Danny Buchan who were all in close contention.

Bridewell, who had won at the circuit in May, was looking strong in the early stages as he pushed hard in his quest to claim a Showdown position, cutting the gap to within 0.283s of Byrne only to be forced out by machine problems with his Tyco BMW.

It leaves the Wiltshire rider with work to do in tomorrow’s (Sunday) two races to secure his place in the top six, alongside the already qualified Byrne, Brookes and Ellison.

Ellison who returned to action at Oulton Park after breaking his wrist at Thruxton, took the fight at the front to Byrne before claiming second place on the JG Speedfit Kawasaki, a result that ensured he made the cut into the Showdown by a single point.

MCE BSB rookie Buchan celebrated a debut MCE BSB podium finish for himself and the Be Wiser Kawasaki team, just adrift of Ellison. In fourth place Brookes delivered a gutsy performance to finish fourth after starting from the back of the grid after a technical problem with his Milwaukee Yamaha in Datatag qualifying.

Brookes rode hard, picking up 10 places on the opening lap, and then making further inroads as he charged into fourth place, but after missing out on the podium Byrne has regained the advantage by one point in the Podium Points table.

Dan Linfoot boosted his hopes of making the Showdown in fifth place for Honda Racing, as he now has a 17-point deficit to sixth placed Michael Laverty in the standings ahead of tomorrow’s two races.

Of the remaining Australians in the field, Josh Waters rode his Bennetts Suzuki into the points with 14th, while Jed Metcher’s Gearlink Kawasaki debut resulted in 17th and Billy McConnell (Smiths Racing BMW) crashed out while battling inside the top 10.

2015 British Superbike Championship
Round nine – Oulton Park

Superbike race one results:
1. Shane Byrne
2. James Ellison
3. Danny Buchan
4. Josh Brookes (AUS)
5. Dan Linfoot
6. Luke Mossey
7. Richard Cooper
8. Lee Jackson
9. Michael Laverty
10. Peter Hickman
14. Josh Waters (AUS)
17. Jed Metcher (AUS)

Click here for detailed results