BSB: Champion Haslam enjoys ‘crazy feeling’ in BSB swansong

JGSpeedfit Bournemouth Kawasaki rider Leon Haslam completed his dream to become a champion in British Superbikes in the final round of the season as Brands Hatch. The Derbyshire rider missed out on the championship in agonising fashion in 2017, but made sure that no such thing would be repeated in 2018.

Haslam wrapped up the title with a solid 6th place on Saturday, whilst taking a convincing wet weather victory in race two on Sunday afternoon. Sunday’s 2nd race (race three) proved to be the trickiest yet, with the ‘Pocket Rocket’ having numerous hair-raising and attention-grbbing moments, eventually settling down to take a well-earned 6th.

“It is such a crazy feeling knowing I’m British Superbike Champion; I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet. The year has been incredible and my whole team has given me everything and the best bike to do the job on. It was really important to me to continue in the same team with the same people and I think it has made a big difference. Everything just went according to plan this year and it really is an amazing feeling,” said Haslam, who departs the British Superbike shores and heads on to partner Jonathan Rea at the Kawasaki Racing Team in World Superbikes.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for their continued support and belief in me to make this happen. It is so special, and I’m almost lost for words. British Superbikes always creates great racing and all season I’ve battled with so many different riders and it is a credit to the championship. Thank you for all the memories.”

Haslam took a staggering 15 race wins and notched up an impressive 699 points, just four short of Josh Brookes’ 2015 record of 703 since the Showdown format was introduced. Haslam’s legacy in the championship will be a remarkable one and who is to say that maybe one day, he won’t return. At the age of 35, Haslam has also become one of the oldest new-champions in British Superbikes since the Showdown was introduced.