BSB teams get back out testing
Jason O’Halloran and Tarran Mackenzie returned to action last week, with the McAMS Yamaha squad visiting Knockhill. It was the first time the duo had been on their R1 superbikes since lockdown restrictions were eased, with their last outing taking place in Spain back in March.
“It was brilliant to get back riding,” O’Halloran told MCN. “I did a track day at Cadwell the week before, so I’d already done some laps, but there’s nothing quite like getting back on the superbike. It’s a different animal. The biggest thing with the superbike is the seating position. You go from a road bike to a race bike and it’s just getting used to be a bit more cramped up and having a hell of a lot more power.
You know, once you’ve found your braking marker and you get used to the power again, it’s all good.”
“It all went smoothly to be honest, especially given that whilst I enjoy riding at Knockhill, it’s never been a great track for me, so to get back up to speed as quickly as we did is good."
The main focus during the trip to
Scotland was for O’Halloran and Mackenzie to shake off any cobwebs and to get comfortable on the bike once more. Being on the bike itself is one of the best ways for riders to get back up to race fitness, an area where O’Halloran believes he is in good shape.
“I feel great! I’ve been training so hard during this break and I’m in great shape, like I’m sure everybody is. This is a season where nobody has any excuses, we’ve all had a long break and we need to come out fighting.”
O’Halloran has a couple more trackdays planned before the start of the season, whilst the team will visit Croft on July 20. The official test at Donington Park takes place on July 28.
‘We've hada long break and all need to come out fighting’