Jason O'Halloran arrives at the McAMS Yamaha team’s home round ready to try and close the deficit to the top of the standings, with 54.5 points separating him from Tommy Bridewell at the top of the title fight.
O’Halloran scored a single tenth place at the Cheshire circuit earlier in the season but traditionally the track has been a happy hunting ground for the McAMS Yamaha rider. The points’ value increases as the Showdown gets underway at Oulton Park and then again, at the Brands Hatch season finale, so the Australian knows it is crucial to have a big points’ haul starting this weekend.
With 25 points available per win at each of the next two rounds and this ramping further up to 35 points for the finale at Brands Hatch, the team are well and truly in the title hunt in their swansong season.
O’Halloran said: “I am really looking forward to Oulton Park; the last couple of rounds have been good for us, obviously we won three races at Thruxton and then had some good finishes at Cadwell Park, with a podium. All of the races at Cadwell were really close as it’s a difficult place to pass. The speed was there and we were in the front group all weekend, they were just difficult races getting around people and with the races all being so close, they were enjoyable to be a part of.
“Going back to Oulton Park, we had good speed at the start of the year in really changeable conditions. We didn’t have the biggest points haul there at the start of the year, but the speed was really good and we had a good test at the start of the year and we were fast.
“I always enjoy racing at Oulton Park, so I can’t wait to get this last part of the championship underway. There are more points on the table now, so it’s important to try and get the best positions we can in the races. I am feeling really good on the bike at the minute, and enjoying the racing as much as I ever have, so I can’t wait to get stuck in to the last three rounds and seeing what we can do.
“We’re 54 points off the leader, but with 25 on the table at Oulton and Donington for a win, and then 35 on the table at Brands for a win, it’s still well within reach, so the target stays the same. We’re obviously going to put our best foot forward and do the best possible job we can to try and win the championship, and see what we can do, starting at Oulton Park.”