Brookes 'spurred on' by Byrne pace

Josh Brookes twice had to settle for the runner-up spot behind Shane Byrne at Knockhill and admitted it was 'mentally tough' watching the defending champion dictate matters from the front.

Brookes led for much of race one until Byrne took over in the closing stages and the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki rider then dominated race two from the front to complete a double at the fourth round of the MCE British Superbike Championship at the Scottish venue.

Tyco Suzuki's Brookes, who won the Flying Haggis Award for the fastest lap - presented in memory of the late Steve Hislop - said: "In race one I wanted to lead and push to try and make a break on Shakey, but I hit a bit of a wall with my lap times, as the rear tyre was spinning up more than normal - maybe with the track temperature today.

"We did come together at one stage when he tried to make a pass but it's wasn't a big impact, but Shakey came back past and I had to settle for second.

"In race two it was mentally tough watching Shakey ride away from me, but it also spurred me on and I actually made some time back on him towards the end of the race," added the Australian.

"I just focused on narrowing it down bit-by-bit and seeing the gap come down gave me energy and encouragement."

Brookes said he was honoured to receive the Flying Haggis Award and is now looking forward to round five at Snetterton as he attempts to halt Byrne's winning streak.

"I did a brilliant lap to win the Steve Hislop Award, which is a great honour to receive, and we are now second in the championship," he said.

"It's all about moving forward now and trying to bridge that gap to Shakey from the next round at Snetterton at the start of July."