Legendary Swan Yamaha crew chief Mick Shanley has left his post with the Guisborough-based team to explore pastures new. The professional northerner, who has been with the team since before all this was fields, is looking for new challenges and is exploring life outside British Superbikes.

Shanley has been with Shaun Muir's team for the past seven years and leaves with the British Superbike Championship as his last hurrah for the team. "I've been in the BSB paddock for quite a while and it is time to look at pastures new," said Shanley, speaking to bikesportnews.com this evening, while pretending to look after some children.

"There are options for me in MotoGP and WSB but I am not in any rush to do anything. I've had a great time working with Shaun and everyone at SMR. It is simply time for a change and I will take my time in deciding what that change will be."