Injured Superbike Champion Wins High Court Case After Crash

A High Court claim has been won by a six-time British Superbike champion, Shane Byrne, who suffered severe injuries in a 2018 crash that rendered him unable to compete. Byrne, 47, crashed into a barrier after falling from his Ducati Panigale motorcycle at Snetterton race track in Norfolk. The incident resulted in multiple fractures and internal injuries. He initiated legal proceedings against Motorsport Vision Racing, Motorsport Vision (the track owner), and the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board, seeking compensation and alleging the barrier was inadequate. On Friday, Judge Peter Blair KC issued a judgment stating that the aforementioned organizations were responsible for Byrne’s injuries, which were “materially caused” by the impact with the barrier. During the High Court proceedings, it was noted that Byrne, known by his nickname Shakey, holds the record as the most successful rider in British Superbike Championship history, having achieved 85 victories. He has not participated in competitions since the incident. The event occurred on 17 May 2018, during a test day, specifically on Byrne’s second lap. Testimony at the hearing described how Byrne dismounted his motorcycle, which departed the track at a speed of 60mph (97km/h). Both Byrne and his motorcycle struck a type D safety barrier, constructed from bolted-together tyres. Barrister Kiril Waite contended that a type A barrier, an air-filled design functioning as a shock absorber, ought to have been installed at that specific corner. The defendants asserted that Byrne was responsible for the crash and that the existing barrier type was adequate. Their barrister, Malcolm Duthie, argued that Byrne’s riding constituted the “substantial and real cause” of the incident. Nevertheless, Judge Blair determined that the absence of type A barriers was “negligent.” The judge further stated that Byrne was not the “author of his own misfortune” and was not “contributorily negligent.” He elaborated: “On a balance of probabilities, I have concluded that [Byrne] did not sustain any serious injuries as a result of jumping clear of his motorcycle and tumbling towards the barrier.” He added: “The impact with the barrier, however, materially caused the infliction of his injuries.” The precise sum of damages payable to Byrne is to be decided at a subsequent time. For updates on Norfolk news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.