Mar-Train Racing and Jack Kennedy are all-set for round nine of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

The team have landed at Oulton Park for the latest round, the same track that hosted the second round of the series back in April.

On that occasion Kennedy finished 12th, 9th and 13th across the weekend, but with that experience in the bank the Mar-Train team are aiming much higher this time round.

Jack Kennedy
“My goal this year was to be on the podium before the end of the season, and that remains a massive target for me and the team. I would really like to put us on the box before the year’s out.

“I think it’s possible. It is definitely achievable in the right circumstances.

“We are bound to get some mixed weather before the season is out, so that could be one of the chances for us to shine.”

Kennedy is back to full fitness after recovering from rib injuries sustained in a big crash at Thruxton last month.

Since the previous round at Cadwell it was also announced that Kennedy will be leaving the Mar-Train Yamaha Racing team at the end of the season in an amicable split between both parties.

Jack Kennedy
“The break has been good to let my ribs recover and get back into training. So, I have enjoyed the break from Cadwell to now, and I am ready for this weekend.

“I obviously got the news that I will be leaving the team which wasn’t ideal, but my focus doesn’t change. Everyone wants to finish the season on a high, so my focus hasn’t changed at all.

“I have learned a lot this year with Mar-Train Yamaha Racing. I have gained more experience in the Superbike class, and that’s what it takes to improve.

“The target this weekend will be to hit the ground running. I can’t wait, and we are looking for top eight finishes. We are not looking at top 10 anymore, but the top eight is the goal.
“And then start knocking on the door of the top six. I am ready.”

Mar-Train Yamaha Racing team owner Tim Martin is also seeking a big finish to the season, starting with three positive results at Oulton this weekend.

Tim Martin
“The whole team is fired up to do the best we can over these last three rounds. And we would love to get a podium which would show some progress and show we are moving forward,” he said.

“Obviously this is the first race since we announced Jack will be leaving us at the end of the year. That makes no difference to this championship as Jack is very much our rider for 2023 and will do everything, he can do a good job for himself and the team and sponsors.

“We are doing our best to come up with a plan to make him as comfortable as possible and push for that podium position.”

Meanwhile, Martin paid tribute to Paul Bird who died on September 1 following a short illness.

The Paul Bird Motorsport supremo was a hugely popular and influential figure in motorcycling, having guided his team to eight BSB titles.

Tim Martin
“This is the first race weekend since the passing of Paul Bird, owner of PBM. I believe they will do some tribute to Paul at Oulton Park which is very fitting,” Martin said.

“All of us will have it in the back of our mind that racing is important, but when something like this happens it puts everything into perspective.

“We would just send all our thoughts and prayers to the Bird family and the PBM team at this difficult time.”

Featured Images: Olithephoto.