SMT Honda sign Jason O’Halloran for remainder of 2008

SMT Honda has signed young Australian Superbike star Jason O-Halloran for the rest of their 2008 British Superbike campaign.

The SMT team has had a difficult season with injuries.

Adam Jenkinson impressed in qualifying at Thruxton in the opening race weekend of the season.

But a big crash in race two at the Hampshire circuit, breaking both his wrists, has sidelined him all season.

Team Manager Robin Croft has since drafted in numerous replacement riders including Sean Emmett, Marshall Neill and Tom Grant.

But after being sideswiped by David Johnson’s Maxxis Honda at Knockhill in race two when the Aussie had no brakes going into turn one, Grant has also been put on the injury list for the rest of he year.

As a result, Croft has signed the up-and-coming Australian Superbike rider.

Croft said: ““When it became clear that neither Adam or 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 CBR1000RR 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.”

Who is Jason O’Halloran?

Hailing from Wollongong, home of former World Champion Wayne Gardner, O’Halloran arrives in the UK with some impressive credentials.

The 20-year old began racing in 2002 and success soon followed, finishing runner-up in the 125cc Australian Championship a year later. He soon progressed into the Australian Supersport Championship, and, after placing 7th and 3rd in 2005 and 2006, he dominated the 2007 series, taking 7 race wins and 3 lap records on board the Yamaha Racing Team YZF-R6.

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.

For 2008, O’Halloran has been competing in the Australian Superbike Championship for the Teknic Honda Racing squad, his fifth year as part of an official distributor backed team.

In his debut season on Superbike machinery, he has already set a new lap record at Phillip Island and is currently lying in 5th place overall in his country’s premier series, with two rounds still remaining.

In addition, he impressed the Japanese hierarchy greatly at the Suzuka 8-Hours, where he finished 6th on the Moriwaki-backed machine alongside current BSB star Cal Crutchlow and Tetsuya Yamaguchi.