Shane Byrne launches £1m lawsuit after career-ending injury
Shane Byrne, one of the most iconic riders in the British Superbike Championship (BSC), is suing the championship organizers for £1 million after suffering a serious career-ending injury in 2018. Byrne, a six-time British Superbike champion, was crashed during a test at Snetterton Circuit, resulting in severe spinal injuries.
The accident occurred when Byrne lost control of his motorcycle at a speed of approximately 120 mph (193 km/h) on the straight. He managed to reduce his speed to about 60 mph (96 km/h) before leaving the road and crashing into the tire barrier after traveling a distance of 55 to 60 meters. Byrne was thrown from the bike just before hitting the barrier.
Byrne is taking action against organizer BSB Motorsport Vision Racing, track owner Motorsport Vision and the Motor Racing Board of Control, the sport’s governing body. He claims that safety measures at the county were inadequate and that an aerial barrier could have prevented the severity of his injury.
Byrne’s lawyer, Kiril Waite, argues that the rider was in full control of the bike at the time of the accident and that he had already completed a lap on the same race line without incident. Waite presented videos of Byrne’s riding skills and pointed out that few people could handle a motorcycle with the agility he displayed. “The speed and position of the motorcycle cannot be criticized as a cause of the accident,” said Waite.
The defendants, represented by lawyer Malcolm Duthie, deny that the installation of air barriers would have prevented Byrne’s injury. They claim that the injury could have occurred without being hit with the rubber barrier. Duthie argues that the safety measures in place at the county were adequate and that the accident was an unfortunate accident that could have had the same outcome regardless of the condition of the barrier.
Byrne, now 47, is seeking compensation not only for his physical injuries, but also for the loss of his career and future earning potential. His case highlights the importance of safety in high-speed sports, where the stakes are always high and safety failures can have devastating consequences.
The trial is still ongoing and the outcome will depend on the evidence presented and the arguments of both sides. This case could set an important precedent for motorcycle safety and the responsibility of organizations to provide adequate protection for their riders. The final decision will be closely watched by the entire sporting community and may affect future safety practices at racetracks.
