Changing conditions at Oulton Park and mixed fortunes for Honda Racing UK

Race Report Sunday 30th April 2023

Qualifying and race one of ‘Super Sunday’ now complete at the Cheshire circuit, the Honda Racing UK team will go through the data to fine-tune the setup of their CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SPs ahead of the final races of the round tomorrow.

One of the most technically challenging and high-speed circuits of the calendar, Oulton Park has proved to be a true test of man and machine as changeable conditions throughout the weekend have made bike set-up particularly difficult for all.

Qualifying for Bennetts British Superbike riders Andrew Irwin and Tom Neave took place in damp conditions on this rollercoaster-like circuit. After topping the initial qualifying session Andrew progressed into Q2, setting a lap time of 1.44.554 to place him seventh on the grid for the afternoon sprint race. Tom Neave set a best time of 1:48.691 to qualify twenty-first.

The 12-lap Bennetts Bike Social sprint race began in dry conditions and both Honda Racing UK riders pushed hard to make up positions. Andrew Irwin was running in the leading group throughout the race and would finish in 6th position when the red flag came out early due to rain in all sectors. He managed to set the 6th quickest lap time of the race and will line up on the second row for race 2 tomorrow.

Ever the racer, teammate Tom Neave was able to make up 7 positions as he battled through from his 21st grid space to finish the opening race of the weekend in 14th position. He also picks up two valuable championship points and will start race 2 from 18th position.

In Superstock qualifying, a revised format to mirror the British Superbikes took place this afternoon. Nathan Harrison will start in 34th for tomorrow’s 14-lap thriller.

Unfortunately, due to a technical team error in tyre selection, John McGuinness was not able to set a representative lap time in difficult conditions during qualifying. As a result, he has not qualified for tomorrow’s race.

Elsewhere in the paddock, Honda success was aplenty as Billy Mcconnell and Joe Talbot would qualify second and third respectively in the Superstock series.

The Honda Racing UK team will be back in action again tomorrow (Monday 1st May) with Superbike races 1 & 2 taking place at 13.15 & 16.30 respectively.

#18 Andrew Irwin

I think qualifying was good. I struggled in FP3 in the wet and we then made a big step and we went fastest in Q1, which I think was an advantage to go through because we knew the track conditions. Q2 we were slightly unlucky as we crossed the line 7 seconds too soon and weren't able to do another lap in the best conditions so I qualified 7th, but I think we had enough for more. It was a good race, but we lost the front group due to a crash for another rider which meant we lost the tow with the front group. 6th is definitely a decent ride around here, but I’m looking to make a step tomorrow and run with the front boys.

Sprint race - P6

#68 Tom Neave

It’s been a positive end to the day having had some pretty shocking conditions this weekend! I know where I’m going around here and I just need to crack on. It’s the same story for me, poor qualifying and then I always move forward in the race, matching the lap times of the group in front of me. I’m matching the times of 8th-10th. I’ve definitely made a step with the bike and I can end the day with a semi-smile on my face. I think there’s more potential to come.

Sprint race - P14

#25 Nathan Harrison

It was great to confirm that the changes we made to the bike for a test at Cadwell have been working here at Oulton Park which is great as the bike now really feels like my own. We’ve had some testing conditions which has meant we did what we needed to do today, qualify for the race so we can get some more bike time ahead of the North West 200. I’ve only ridden in the wet a handful of times so for the conditions to be so changeable has been tricky. I’ve definitely been gaining confidence lap by lap which is important for racing in the wet. I’m looking forward to the race tomorrow, hopefully in the dry!

#1 John McGuinness MBE

It’s not how I wanted the weekend to go, but it’s one of those things. Mistakes happen. I could feel that something wasn't right and in those conditions, you don't want to push it. But we look forward, the North West is right around the corner and I’m looking forward to it.