There was no fairy tale ending for the McAMS Yamaha team at Donington Park this weekend as Jason O’Halloran was unfortunately unable to build upon Saturday’s impressive pole position and second place in Sunday’s two races.

Confidence was high for race two despite O’Halloran riding battered and bruised, but a set-up change with the R1 proved unbeneficial and he struggled for rear grip throughout the 20 lap race. Losing places at the start, he was unable to pick through the pack until the closing stages when he made his way up to fifth but unfortunately got caught up at the final turn and dropped back to seventh.

Securing a front row start for the final race after setting the third quickest lap time despite his lack of grip, O’Halloran got a steady start in the final race of the weekend settling into fifth on the opening lap but a red flag brought the race to a halt at the end of the first circulation.

On the restart, he got a stronger launch and was sat in third before taking Brad Ray for second before making an attempt on Tom Sykes for the lead at Melbourne Loop. While the pass was successful, he ran wide on exit allowing Sykes back past and the lack of drive allowed Glenn Irwin to dive up the inside at Goddards. Losing another position, O’Halloran ended up in a scrap with Andrew Irwin but eventually broke free.

He would again attempt a pass on Sykes at Melbourne Loop, but in a little deep, his rear wheel came into the air and landed awkwardly, meaning he couldn’t stop for the corner and hit Sykes’ rear wheel in an uncharacteristic mistake. Launched off his R1, O’Halloran took another battering but was released from the medical centre shortly after the race. He’d taken a knock to his thumb, ankle and face but was otherwise OK. Sykes remained on his machine, but was forced to retire following the impact.

O’Halloran visited the double race winner immediately after leaving the medical centre to apologise to Sykes and his team, which was instantly accepted with the pair shaking hands.

Unable to capitalise on a front row start, Tim Neave finished eighth in the second National Superstock race.