Shane Byrne has secured the 2014 MCE British Superbike Championship in style after notching up a timely ninth win of the season at Brands Hatch to put the title out♉ of Ryuichi K🌄iyonari's reach.

With the injured Kiyonari failing to start the💖 second encounter, Byrne came into the race knowing a fourth place finish would suffice for him to secure the crown with a race in hand.

Indeed though Ki❀yonari had not officially withdrawn from the event in case Byrne suffered problems in race two - particularly after his DNF in race one -, the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki rider would not need another invitation to wrap up the title early, stalking his way into lead on lap 10 and prevailing in a tussle with Howie Mainwaring to break clear to the chequered flag.

His third title success as a Paul Bird Motorsport rider, the 2014 crown goes with his previous 2012, 2008 and 2003 titles to confirm h🌺is ⛄status as the most successful BSB rider of all-time.

Indeed, despite the disappointing outcome to the Title Showdown, Byrne's achievements in 2014 cannot be underestimated having won nine races and accumulated a mammoth 107 point advantage over his nearest rivals before the points-♕equalisation format for the final three events.

Kiyonari suffered a displaced fracture of the collarbone after coming off his Buildbase BMW in FP3, ruling him out of the first of three races at least🌊.

Though he 🔯expressed his determination to get back on the bike for the second and third races, Kiyonari - having missed morning warm-up - opted not to make the start of race two and his unlikely to compete in race three now.