Michael Laverty third in Brands Hatch British Superbike race

Michael Laverty

Michael Laverty secured a podium finish at the final round of the British Superbike championship at Brands Hatch and ended up fifth in the series.

The Toomebridge rider was third in race two on his Samsung Honda, having taken 10th in the first race of the weekend, and he then failed to finish the last.

Shane Byrne won all three races and claimed the title ahead of runner-up, Tyco TAS Suzuki rider Josh Brookes.

Dubliner Jack Kennedy just missed out on the British Supersport title.

The 24-year-old needed to finish in the top seven in the weekend's second race to secure the crown after championship leader Richards crashed out early on, but retired on his Mar-Train Yamaha.

Carrickfergus rider Glenn Irwin, who had already clinched the British Supersport Cup for privateers, was eighth in race one and retired in race two.

Irwin ended the overall championship in ninth place, with Antrim's John Simpson, winner of the Senior Manx Grand Prix in August, 12th in the final standings.

Clogher rider Keith Farmer was crowned Superstock 1000cc champion at the previous round at Silverstone but emphasised his superiority by winning the final round at Brands from Tyco Suzuki rider PJ Jacobsen.

Farmer's eventual winning margin over nearest challenger Jason O'Halloran was 40 points.

Michael Laverty crashed out on the last lap of the final race of the weekend after being taken out by Alex Lowes as they battled for the final rostrum place.

John Laverty was 18th in the first Superbike race, with Alastair Seeley 19th.

The eldest of the racing Laverty brothers improved to 13th in race two, while Seeley failed to finish.

Race three saw John Laverty 18th and Seeley 19th, with Seeley ending 13th in the standings.

Moira rider Ian Lowry did not compete after splitting with the Padgett's Honda team just prior to the final round of the series.