Shakey out to be a ton-up kid
SHANE BYRNE wants to clock up a century of wins before he makes up his mind whether to retire.
The six-times British Superbike Champion has scored 84 race wins and 186 podiums in his 20-year career.
The 41-year-old begins the battle for his seventh title in Easter Monday’s opening round at Donington Park.
But far from focusing on a third successive crown, his mind is on racking up the wins. “Last year was difficult but it helped me in terms of knowing where I want to go with it all,” said Shakey.
“Now I know I’m not making any decision on how long to carry on until I get to 100 wins. When I get there if I’m still enjoying it, then we’ll carry on for a bit.
“But if we get there and it’s been a couple of slog seasons or I’m not enjoying it I’ll say, ‘You know what? I’m quite happy with that’.”
The Be Wiser Ducati racer is the oldest rider on the grid.
While are doesn’t bother him, his biggest problem could be the bike. The promised V4 has not arrived, forcing the team to spend another year with the V-twin.
“I certainly feel this year’s going to be difficult,” said Byrne. “To find out the V4 was launched only as a road bike and not to get the race bike is a tough pill to swallow.
“But I’ve won back-to-back titles with that bike. It’s exactly the same as it finished last year. Hopefully, if Ducati come up with some upgrades throughout the year, we can keep the thing competitive.”
Byrne faces some tough opposition, including 2017 runner-up Leon Haslam and 2015 champion Josh Brookes.