The Final regular round of BSB racing took to the Oulton Park tracks this weekend. Here’s a lowdown of the racing events…
A tiny fifty three points on the league table separates Laverty in sixth from Brookes in first. With four other ‘title fighters’ owning points somewhere between. The BSB racing championship is a closer call than ever. The final race of the regular season at Oulton Park this weekend was one to watch, and a passionate one to race.
A triple BSB racing whammy took to the tracks in Oulton. Taz Taylor’s weekend was only a one race event, whereas BSB held three.
BSB Racing, race one
‘Shakey’ Byrne was on top form, racing fast in the practice and faster still in the first race. This secured him the quickest lap in a qualifying session of Oulton Park history! The confidence boost must have built momentum as it lead him straight into first place on the podium. The race was full of success for other top riders too. Brookes, the under dog, began in 30th place and raced his way forward to 4th, go Brookes! Ellison, another of the top six, competed with Buchan. Buchan chased, though not hard enough. He finished behind Ellison in third, a debut position for him. Linfoot was trailing behind and came in fifth – a mirror of his now championship standing.
Byrne again for race two?
The action was all too much for Byrne’s bike as it gave up on him for race two, forcing him out with a technical problem. This left the top spot open for another contender, in raced Josh Brookes. “I came through and saw +10 seconds on the board – and didn’t know if it was a mistake! I questioned for a minute ‘did I see that right?’ until I was able to look over my shoulder and see there was no one there.” An unexpected, huge lead for Brookes. Byrne out, left other positions available and Buchan outraced himself, again. Buchan places second. His second podium standing of the weekend, and, ever. Linny Linfoot came in third.
Race number three, how did they finish up?
Race number three was another showstopper. 
Brookes and Byrne began the battle for a second victory. Until the third lap where Brookes rode wide at Old Hall and dropped back to fourth. A little smug smile must have crept onto Byrne’s face as his chances for the top spot looked brighter. Fast forward two laps and Brookes was in contention for the lead. However, Byrne was fighting not only for the race, but his place in the championship table and a second year win. The first two of which he achieved. See this first MCE blog post for his initial anticipation.
The remainder of the championship…
Kiyonari fought hard all season and remains in the top ten at the end of round nine. Though he isn’t among ‘The showdown six’ but we can’t see that killing his spirit anytime soon.
The final BSB racing sixsome will now race out the final three races for the championship title. These final races are the ‘showdown,’ please read this post for point info. The six riders are heading over the North Sea for Assen in two weeks. The first international race of the season and of the final ‘Showdown’. Let the showdown begin!
Photo credit for the fantastic shots in this post go to the official MCE Insurance BSB 2015 website.
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