GETTING TO KNOW SHAKEY AND LEON
Now it’s confirmed that Shane ‘Shakey’
Byrne and Leon Camier will be riding the Airwaves Ducati 1098R’s
in the British Superbike Championship next year, we thought
we should ask them a bit about themselves and their aims for
next season.
Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne won the
BSB title on a Ducati in 2003, he then moved to MotoGP for
two years before returning to the domestic championship in
2006. He brings immense experience to the team and is looking
forward to competing for the BSB title with Airwaves Ducati
in 2008.
Where does the nickname ‘Shakey’ come
from?
It’s actually really boring, in fact if I’d thought
about it I’d of lied about it from the word go!!! Basically
I got out of a swimming pool as a kid in Spain and one of
my friends called me Shakey Shane because I was standing there
shivering as it was a bit breezy, how boring is that, I was
only about 11 at the time and since then it stuck.
What is your favourite food?
I like all sorts of food, I reckon you’d struggle to
beat my mum’s Christmas dinner though ha ha. I love
pasta though and the odd Chinese.
What are your major likes and dislikes?
Winning is a major like! Traffic jams and being told what
to do are dislikes!!!
Now that you have joined the Wrigley’s Airwaves
Ducati Team, what are your aims and targets for the forth
coming season and the future?
Obviously I see this as an absolutely fantastic opportunity
for me and one that I don’t intend to waste. First and
foremost I need to ensure that I’m going to be fit and
strong from the minute testing starts so it’s going
to be maximum time in the gym, running and possibly a little
bit of motocross over the winter. Secondly I need to get a
good bond with my team and complete as many laps as possible
throughout winter testing in order to get a good understanding
of my bikes. Then I’d like to think that with this team
and bike behind me, podiums, race wins and ultimately the
British Superbike championship will come!
Who is your favourite rider of all time?
Kevin Schwantz
Do you have any role models, on or off the track?
Not especially, I like to do things my own way, I train hard
and ride hard which is what’s needed in our championship.
What advice do you have for kids whose ambition is
to become a pro rider?
I think that they should never give up trying to make it
happen. Being a motorcycle racer is all I’ve ever wanted
for as long as I can remember; my parents don’t even
have a driving license for a car let alone a motorcycle, so
if you want it, keep pushing and one day if you’re lucky
it’ll come to you.
Do you have a message for your fans?
I hope that each and everyone of them is as happy as I am
with this opportunity I have with Airwaves Ducati and GSE
racing and that they continue their much valued support, see
you on the podium!!!!!
Do you have any superstitions which you have to carry
out before a race?
Nothing major, Petra (my girlfriend) always has some tissue
folded into a square for me to blow my nose, she then gives
me my earplugs and always gives me my left glove first, that’s
not too bad is it?
Have you spoken to Leon since it was announced that
you are going to be team mates next year?
No I haven’t, although in fairness I’m not sure
he has my number, I did text him after his crash this year
wishing him a speedy recovery. I dare say we’ll have
plenty to talk about once testing starts.
~~~
Leon Camier joins the Airwaves Ducati team
from Honda for his 2nd year in the British Superbike Championship.
He is a young talent who has won both the British 125GP and
Supersport Championships before stepping up to the Superbike
class in 2007, finishing the season in 8th. Despite his crash
at Cadwell Park he is confident that he will be fit for the
New Year and is keen to get on the new bike as soon as possible.
How did you get the nickname ‘Shafter’?
Never you mind! No seriously, it all came about when Casey
Stoner and Chaz Davies used to ride in the British 125 series;
it was originally Cam-Shaft from Camier which, over time,
turned into Shafter.
What car do you drive?
A Honda at the mo but I am getting rid of it in December
and I’m not sure what I’ll get after that…
Do you have any role models, either on or off the
track?
There are lots of people who I look up to like Lance Armstrong,
Casey Stoner, Troy Bayliss; there is always something to be
learnt from people like that.
Who is your favourite rider of all time?
Troy Bayliss
What do you think your biggest challenge will be
this season?
It’s all a whole new challenge for me as everything
will be new, the team, the bike and as yet I haven’t
ridden the Superbike at Donington or Brands Indy due to my
injury this season. There’s so many, but winning the
championship is obviously the goal.
Do you think your recent injury will hinder you either
physically or mentally?
I’m hoping if anything it will make me stronger. It’s
the biggest injury I’ve ever sustained but it’s
definitely made me really miss the racing and more eager to
be back out on a bike.
Now that you have joined the Wrigley’s Airwaves
Ducati Team, what are your aims and targets for the forth
coming season and the future?
To fit as many pieces of chewing gum in my mouth at once!
No seriously, my goal is to win but obviously there are so
many factors so I will take it one step at a time. First I
need to get fully fit with my leg, then I need to learn everything
around me and start moving things forward. I’d like
to be in a strong position at the start of the season to get
some good early results.
How long have you had the habit of walking around
race tracks the evening before a race? And to what extent
does this aid you in the race?
How do you know about that to start with (?!) I do it just
to clear my head and get in a good mind set for the next day.
Do you have any other superstitions?
I try not to have any.
What advice do you have for kids whose ambition is
to become a pro rider?
Its not just about what you do on the track, you have to
put in just as much effort off the track. I do think that
if you work hard and put your mind to what you want to achieve,
you can achieve it. My racing career has all happened pretty
quickly and at 21 I’m now going to be racing for one
of the most established teams in the paddock, it’s all
come though hard work and dedication.
Do you have a message for your fans?
I have fans, wahooo! Well I would like to take the opportunity
to thank the hundreds of people that got in touch after my
accident. It meant a lot to me reading some of their comments
and really nice knowing that I have so much support, I really
appreciate that. I hope they will all continue to support
me in 2008 and the Airwaves Ducati squad.
Have you spoken to Shakey since it was announced
that you are going to be team mates next year?
No he lives abroad I can’t afford the phone call! Actually
I haven’t really had the chance but I am looking forward
to getting to know him and the rest of the Airwaves Ducati
team over the next year or so.
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