Jason O’Halloran on BSB 2016 and the upcoming showdown
Images by Jon Jessop
I started the year uncertain on how it would go, and uncertain on where I would fit back in after eight months away from racing.
From August last year through to April this year I worked extremely hard to be in the best shape possible for the start of the season. Â I have to give credit to Andrew Pitt for his time and effort in getting me back on my feet and ready to go racing again.
Andrew now looks after my contracts, my training and diet plans, after his years of experience and two world championships I couldn’t ask for a better person to have in my corner.
Our machine has had a few tweaks from last year, most noticeable are the engine improvements. Last year we received a much better engine to make us more competitive with the other manufactures, it certainly did get us closer in the power stakes, although on the other hand, it was extremely difficult to ride which caused some inconsistency.
This year we kept the power but made it much easier to ride, and therefore easier to be more consistent from track to track. We still suffer compared to the other bikes due to not having fly by wire, but we do the best job we can with what we have.
Right now I have a great connection with my bike and team and we are extracting the maximum potential each weekend, which is keeping us in the fight with the newer machines which is very satisfying.
I have gained momentum as the season has gone on which was always the plan. Each weekend we work hard to achieve the maximum. I’m very critical of myself and analyse everything after a weekend to see where improvements can be made, this is another area where Andrew helps me a lot.
I’ve now qualified for the showdown. I have five podiums this season and a win, a little over 12 months on from a badly broken femur, broken left wrist, schaphoid, and smashed 1st and 2nd knuckle. Thus right now it’s a nice place to be in, the hard work and determination to get back racing, and not only come back but come back stronger than when I left, is all paying off.
We questioned Jason on the main differences between BSB and ASBK spec’ Superbikes
In BSB the chassis is pretty much open, so the same as WorldSBK. We have different off sets, head pipes, head angles, links, swing arms, forks, shock, pivot points, the lot, what ever you want you can have. This sounds great, but it is also very easy to get lost with it all. It takes some time to know exactly what you want and not just go mad changing everything.
Engines, I’m not sure the exact spec’, but most of the top teams are now pushing out over 225 horsepower, with virtually no electronics, which as you can imagine can make them a hand full sometimes. The electronics are minimal in BSB ,we have an air bleed for corner entry because we don’t have the fly by wire system on the Honda, cylinder cuts and general ignition cut etc.
BSB is growing year on year, it’s a super tough championship with so many fast riders in the series now. It’s been a long road since I left Australia in 2009 but right now I couldn’t be happier with the position I’m in and I hope I can enjoy many more years in the British Superbike paddock.
MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship standings after Cadwell Park
- Shane Byrne (Be Wiser Ducati) 272
- Leon Haslam (JG Speedfit Kawasaki) 251
- Jason O’Halloran (Honda Racing) 211
- Michael Laverty (Tyco BMW) 147
- Dan Linfoot (Honda Racing) 145
- James Ellison (JG Speedfit Kawasaki) 140
- Richard Cooper 133
- Luke Mossey 133
- Peter Hickman 128
- Christian Iddon 120
