O’Halloran claims the first British Superbike victory of 2021

Pre-season favorite Jason O’Halloran claimed his first victory of the 2021 Bennetts British Superbike campaign during race one at Oulton Park. 

O’Halloran was involved in a five rider battle early on, before the top three of himself, Christian Iddon and pole sitter Tommy Bridewell separated themselves at the front. 

It was the Visiontrack Ducati of Iddon that got the better start from second on the grid, while Bridewell was pushed down to fourth as O’Halloran and team-mate Tarran Mackenzie came through at turn one. 

A mistake from Mackenzie just a few laps later took him out of the running as he got the turn 10-11 chicane wrong. 

FHO Racing BMW rider Peter Hickman was elevated by the mistake and clinged onto the top three until three laps to go. 

Both Hickman and Mackenzie finished in fourth and fifth, while at the front, O’Halloran started to close Iddon in with an overtake imminent. 

And that’s exactly what happened with four laps to go. Iddon was unable to respond and instead settled for second with Bridewell third. 

Glenn Irwin took sixth after an extensive battle with Kyle Ryde. Rounding out the top ten was FS-3 Kawasaki rider Lee Jackson in eighth, Ryan Vickers ninth and defending champion Josh Brookes in tenth. 

The Australian hasn’t quite been there in terms of pace throughout the weekend so far, as he qualified in only 13th spot. 

Xavi Fores was unable to take part in both qualifying and the race after suffering an injury in free practice. 

There were seven retirements from the 14 lap race, with big names such as Danny Kent and Bradley Ray unable to finish. Kent had a crash at the final corner, while Ray had a mechanical issue.