SMT Honda sign Aussie Supersport start

SMT Honda have announced that reigning Australian Supersport Champion Jason O'Halloran will be joining them for the final rounds of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, with both Adam Jenkinson and Tom Grant sidelined due to injury.

Team owner Robin Croft said: "When it became clear that neither Adam nor Tom would be fit to participate in the final three rounds we began to look at our options and I'm delighted to be able to secure the services of Jason. His track record speaks for itself and it's clear he's an immensely talented rider so we're eagerly looking forward to his arrival."

"He's keen to further his career on the International stage and whilst he's obviously got three new circuits to learn, he's got plenty of experience on the Honda Fireblade and has been putting in some great rides in the Australian Superbike Championship this season. It will be a new experience for him but we're confident that we can give him the package to shine."

O'Halloran began racing in 2002 and finished runner-up in the 125cc Australian Championship a year later. He soon progressed in to the Australian Supersport Championship and after finishing seventh and third in 2005 and 2006; he dominated the 2007 series, taking seven race wins and three lap records. He also deputised for injured countryman Kevin Curtain in the Yamaha World Supersport Team, finishing a highly creditable 12th at the Czech Republic round at Brno.

This season O'Halloran made his debut in the Australian Superbike Championship and in his first season has already set a new lap record at Phillip Island and is currently lying in fifth in the standings, with two rounds still remaining.

He has already been out on track with some of the BSB riders when he competed in the Suzuka 8-Hour race on the Moriwaki-backed machine alongside Cal Crutchlow and Tetsuya Yamaguchi.

O'Halloran will be competing in the sixth round of the Australian Superbike Championship this weekend, before heading to the UK in time for the Croft.

Laverty frustrated with Cadwell Park results

Michael Laverty has admitted that he was frustrated by his results at Cadwell Park on Monday, after having problems finding the right setting on the Relentless Suzuki.

Laverty consolidated his Championship position with two top ten results, maintaining ninth place in the series, but is now only two points behind Simon Andrew with six races remaining.

Laverty said: "I struggled with my set up this weekend and was very frustrated with the results. In saying that, we did set a goal of top ten at the start of the year but I know we are much better than that. Cadwell is a difficult circuit to find the perfect set-up at, although I do think I under-achieved this weekend, so I'm now looking forward to riding at Croft in two weeks time."

Laverty relentless in hunt for podium finish

Michael Laverty is seeking his first podium finish of the season next weekend when the Bennetts British Superbike Championship reaches Cadwell Park for the August Bank Holiday Monday extravaganza.

Laverty's results this year have not reflected his efforts on track and those behind the scenes of the Relentless Suzuki by TAS squad, with his best result being two fourth places at Oulton Park and Brands Hatch. At the previous round at Knockhill, Laverty had been consistently strong throughout free practice and qualifying but when it came to the races he had to settle for sixth. As the championship reaches round nine though, Laverty is ready to step on to the podium.

Laverty told the BSB website: "I am looking forward to Cadwell Park as it is a good circuit but it is difficult to get the right setup and it is physical. You need to be in good shape to ride well there as it is demanding on the body and mind. I enjoy riding it and there have been improvements to make it safer now. There is always a good crowd that turn up and they can get close to the track so it has a great atmosphere."

"The setup is difficult because it feels almost like two different circuits; you have the tight, twisty woodland section then the wide, sweeping back part of the track so it is a real challenge there. The weather will affect the bike setup and the pace is going to be hot. This is the team's first season in BSB so we have no previous data from other seasons so every event we have been starting from scratch. We come into each round blind in terms of settings and we start from the basics with gearing and chassis setup. We are always making changes unlike teams like Airwaves or HM Plant who work on settings from tests or from the round the previous year so we sometimes struggle as we are behind."

"Hopefully the new qualifying system will add something to the day for the fans and will be a bit of a spectacle. I hope I can put a good lap time in then spend the first two sessions for setup then go all out for it in the final session. We should comfortably get in to the last part I think. The main thing is we can't afford to crash in the first parts; we need to keep upright and set a good lap time if we want to stay in. It should be interesting for everyone."

"We haven't had the results we would have wanted so far this year because things have just not come together. I am aiming for two top fives next weekend and really I want to step on to the podium."

Harris: "Qualifying will mix it up"

Karl Harris is counting down the days until the Cadwell Park round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship as he can't wait to be let loose on the Rob Mac Yamaha at his favourite circuit on the whole calendar.

Harris told the BSB website: "Cadwell Park is one of my favourite tracks and it is completely different from anywhere else in the world. It is fantastic with fast, flowing corners and so many different overtaking places; Park Straight, Hall Bends and you can pull a move into the Esses before the Mountain to name a few. The Mountain definitely is my favourite part of any circuit and I always try to entertain the fans there by launching it in the air. I just love it!"

"I am looking for a good result next weekend, especially after getting a podium at Knockhill. Of course it would be great to go even better but we will have to wait and see. We have done a fair bit of testing there already this year, so we already have a good set-up."

'Bomber' is also ready to take on the new Swan Combi 50 Roll for Pole qualifying system that comes in to effect for the first time next weekend.

"The new qualifying system should certainly make it more interesting on Sunday, who knows how it will go?" said Harris. "In qualifying I always go out pushing from the word go as you never know what will happen on track later in the session so I think I should be ok in that respect. If someone goes down in one of the first sessions that could be it all over for them for qualifying if they haven't done a decent lap time and it could happen to any of the top guys. I think it should mix it up a bit!

THINK! at Cadwell Park

Local race ace Steve Plater will be making two interview stops at the THINK! Motorcycle Academy for the Cadwell Park BSB round. The Woodhall Spa rider really has been busy on track this year riding Superbike, Supersport, World Endurance and winning at both the Isle of Man plus NW200 road races.

THINK! regulars John Reynolds and Niall Mackenzie will also be making appearances for interviews and autographs at the unit, located near Chris Curve. Lloyds British Yamaha's Simon Andrews will also be making an appearance.

Experts from Shoei and Knox will be available to explain the R+D that goes into their products and showcase their safety in special presentations!

Fans will be able to use the interactive computers to win exciting prizes, have their photo taken on a virtual grid and enter the GO VIP! Competition; four lucky fans will be upgraded to full hospitality on race day- be at the THINK! unit at 12 noon when the winners will be drawn.

Local Bikesafe Officers will be on hand to give out advice, help fans get the most out of the Honda Rider Trainer and sign up interested visitors for further training.

Qualifying day - Sunday

12.00 - John Reynolds
13.30 - Steve Plater
15.15 - Niall Mackenzie

Raceday - Monday

11.00 - John Reynolds
11.45 - Simon Andrews
12.00 - GO VIP! Hospitality Draw
12.30 - Steve Plater
13.00 - Knox Expert
13.15 - Niall Mackenzie
15.15 - John Reynolds
15.30 - Shoei Expert