Snetterton race report - Sunday July 5th
Honda Racing UK endured contrasting fortunes in the opening British Superbike race on the final day of Round Four of the 2026 ZYN British Superbike Championship at Snetterton, with Jason O'Halloran continuing his upward trajectory while Ryan Vickers demonstrated remarkable determination following an early-race setback.
Starting from the fourth row of the grid, Vickers' race was compromised almost immediately after becoming involved in an incident at turn two on the opening lap. The resulting damage forced the rider to return to pit lane, where the team carried out rapid repairs, removing and realigning the Fireblade's subframe before repairing the exhaust.
Although the time lost in pit lane left Vickers four laps behind the leaders and out of contention for championship points, Ryan rejoined the race with a clear objective – set the fastest lap possible to secure the best available grid position for the final race of the weekend.
Vickers responded in emphatic fashion, producing an impressive 1:46.88 lap to earn a place on the second row of the grid for the day's final encounter, underlining both his determination and the pace of the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade despite the early misfortune.
On the other side of the garage, O'Halloran enjoyed another encouraging outing. Running consistently inside the top ten throughout the race, the Australian delivered a surefooted performance, looking more comfortable on turn in and in the braking zones. Jason maintained consistent lap times to secure eighth place at the chequered flag. The result marked another positive step forward as he continues to build confidence and momentum with the Honda Racing UK squad.
Ryan Vickers
It was luck alone that kept me on the bike when I was hit. Having a bike ride in-between your rear wheel and your exhaust pipe with enough force to bend your subframe should have equalled a messy crash. The boys dug deep repairing the bike and it feels like I returned the favour with the lap time. We made the best of a bad situation and I’m hoping to salvage something in the final race of the day.
#22 Jason O'Halloran
That was a step in the right direction. My start was reasonable and I was able to hold pace and stick with the bikes in front for longer than usual. I was forced to accept the situation once the issue we’re fighting with returned and had to settle for eighth.
In the Supersport feature race, Jack Kennedy worked hard to secure fourth position on track, by which time a gap to the leading three had opened up. An issue early in the race ruled Dean Harrison out of contention at the front and he secured tenth place with a fine blend of defensive track positioning and corner speed commitment. Meanwhile at the front, Jack capitalised on a 900cc Yamaha running wide on the brakes and occupied third. In the closing stages, an unfortunate braking incident for a 750cc Suzuki gifted Jack and the CBR600RR another step up on the podium to take second place.
Jack Kennedy
I pushed the front tyre so hard in that race, I’m amazed it held together. I had to back off to save it in order to reach the end of the race and would have started going backwards within a lap or so for sure. It’s great to take the points towards the championship for me and for the team, who did an excellent job with the bike. It’s always nice to take a trophy home to my family as well.
Dean Harrison
I’m disappointed with that result. I picked up an issue early in the race and felt disconnected from what the bike was doing. I worked hard and managed my lines defensively but ultimately, I think me and the team deserved more from that race than we got.
In the final Superbike race of the day, Ryan Vickers converted his second row position well with an excellent start. Away with the leading pack and looking comfortable in fifth on lap two, Ryan’s pace and riding language suggested he wanted more. Jason was running confidently in the following pack, holding ninth position. By lap four the leading five riders had gapped the field. A lap later Ryan had advanced to fourth. By lap six Ryan was third and looking stronger than he has all season. By half race distance, Ryan Vickers was still running in a podium position and Jason was in the top ten. With the entire Honda Racing UK team behind them, both riders dug in and pushed as much as they could. On lap 13, Ryan was pushed back a position and finished the race in a hard fought and well-earned fourth position. Jason O’Halloran crossed the line in tenth position.
#22 Jason O'Halloran
There’s still work to do and more potential in the bike, but we made another small step in the right direction this weekend. My speed improves each time we iron out a small issue, which is reassuring to see. Of course I’d have liked to have been rewarded with more but it was a positive weekend. Ryan put in a great performance and the feeling in the team remains strong.
Ryan Vickers
What a race that was! I’m really happy to be able to deliver a result like that for Honda and for the team. It felt like I was genuinely competitive and to have held onto a podium position while also being able to battle on track for as long as we did felt great. We only just missed out on a podium but we’re taking steps in the right direction and we’ll get there I’m sure. The improved track positions meant I was able to enjoy meeting more of the fans that came out to watch us race. I’m grateful to all of them and to team for the complete dedication to the championship. I’m certainly looking forward to Brands Hatch.
A strong performance in both classes from all four Honda Racing UK riders. In the Supersport class, the Honda CBR600RR’s ability to carry high corner speed gave Dean and Jack the best chance possible of competing with the larger capacity bikes that produce more torque and stronger drive off corners. In the Superbike class, small steps in the right direction in terms of set up for both riders allowed them to ride consistently quicker laps for longer. Front end feel and confidence in particular was a talking point in both corners of the Superbike garage. The team will move on to round five at Brands Hatch confident of more progress.
