BSB Round three race report, Knockhill race one.
Following a hard-fought qualifying session earlier in the day, Ryan Vickers secured seventh position with a best lap time of 47.616 seconds. The result was reward for a determined effort from both rider and team as they continued to unlock the potential of the Honda package around the tight and demanding Knockhill layout.
On the opposite side of the Superbike garage, Jason O’Halloran qualified 17th with a lap time of 48.192 seconds. Following a strong performance in the wet on day one, Jason remained focused on making progress during the opening 30-lap race and adding to the valuable data gathered throughout the weekend.
Both riders got away well, defending track position and settling into the quick-fire pace of thirty short laps. Ryan Vickers looked determined to convert a good start and progressed through the pack, overtaking when he chose to and defending when he had to. By half race distance, his pace looked podium ready. Jason O’Halloran ran into a technical issue and opted to retire the bike on lap eleven. With all eyes on Ryan, the laps ticked down until a small overextension on the brakes into the final hairpin turn left Ryan with no alternative other than to take an incredibly well deserved fourth position.
Both riders got away well, defending track position and settling into the quick-fire pace of thirty short laps. Ryan Vickers looked determined to convert a good start and progressed through the pack, overtaking when he chose to and defending when he had to. By half race distance, his pace looked podium ready. Jason O’Halloran ran into a technical issue and opted to retire the bike on lap eleven. With all eyes on Ryan, the laps ticked down until a small overextension on the brakes into the final hairpin turn left Ryan with no alternative other than to take an incredibly well deserved fourth position.
Ryan Vickers
It feels good to be able to say that I’m disappointed to have missed out on a podium. The boys found a little bit of what we were looking for and I was able to use it to good effect. I worked hard and made some good clean moves that stuck. That’s not easy around here, there’s always so much going on with the bike. Of course, I’d love to have been on the podium today but we’re a step closer than we have been and I’m pleased that the team can enjoy that. We’ll keep making these small moves to improve the overall package and we’ll give it everything in the next one.
#22 Jason O'Halloran
After finishing closer to the front in FP1 and FP2, being left with no option other than to bring the bike in is massively disappointing. It was the last thing I wanted to do but once I’d spent some time with the team we were able to diagnose the issue I had and set to work on it immediately. We’re all working incredibly hard to move in the right direction, I’m hoping we can continue that journey in the next race.
Race Result
Ryan Vickers – Fourth
Jason O’Halloran – DNF
Championship Standings
Ryan Vickers – 9th – 49
Jason O’Halloran – 15th – 12
Honda Racing UK will race again tomorrow (Sunday 21 June) in two further Zyn British Superbike Championship races. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 13:15.
