BSB: Byrne takes series lead as Haslam crashes out

Shane Byrne jumped back in to the lead of the 2016 MCE British Superbike standings with a dominant double as rival Leon Haslam dramatically crashed out at Donington Park.

James Ellison took the early lead but tyre degradation problems saw him drop back as a battle between title rivals Byrne and Haslam began to heat up. However, this would soon end as Haslam tucked the front in to Redgate as the second half of the race got underway.

Dan Linfoot was left to reap the rewards of Haslam’s mistake as he moved in to second place after a strong ride for Honda Racing, while Tyco BMW’s Christian Iddon was able to transform his weekend’s pace in to a podium return in third.

With Haslam out, Peter Hickman was the leading JG Speedfit Kawasaki in fourth ahead of fellow non-Showdown contender Richard Cooper while Tommy Bridewell completed the top six. 

Ellison ended up seventh after his tyre issues, while Showdown contender Luke Mossey was eighth and Billy McConnell came out on top of a fierce battle with Glenn Irwin for ninth.

Showdown contender Jason O’Halloran would lose out on third in the championship standings after Peter Hickman clipped his handlebar on the first lap, causing him to fall from the race.

Byrne now leads the title standings by 27 points with five races remaining.