It was a positive end to the British Supersport season for Centurion racing at Oulton Park with their two riders gaining a points scoring finish. BJ Toal gained his best result of the season since joining the Centurion Team in August and finished the 15 lap race in a strong ninth place, his first top ten of the season. His team-mate Dan Cooper was just behind in 11th place despite suffering a migraine throughout the race.

Toal had a great weekend and settled in well to the technical Oulton Park circuit and from first practice on Friday was running in a good position and setting some strong and consistent lap times. With only one qualifying session on the Saturday afternoon the young Irishman had to ensure of a good time to allow him a good grid position, he managed to set a time that saw him sitting in 13th on the grid and only 1.3 off pole.

In the race Toal gained a good start and was soon beginning to pick his way through the pack and make a charge on the field. His times were improving throughout the race and he was soon locked in a tight battle for sixth place with three other riders. Dicing for positions on each lap Toal had to settle for ninth position.

Commenting he said "It all just finally clicked into place at Oulton right from the beginning and I really enjoyed it. The bike felt really good and I knew I was strong and able to put in some good lap times, it was good to end the season with a top ten position and that was my aim at the start of the weekend. The Centurion Team once again pulled out all the stops and despite a small problem on Friday it all went well. I'm glad I was able to regain my confidence at the close of the season as it's been a very mixed year for me. I would like to thank the entire Centurion Team for helping me in the latter half of this year."

Dan Cooper struggled to put in a good time during qualifying and ended the session in 18th place on the grid. Knowing he would have a lot of work to do during the race he knew a good start was essential to getting a points scoring result. Having won at the first Oulton Park round in May, Cooper was hoping or a much better finishing position. A fast start saw Cooper moving through the back and he was soon in a points scoring position and working his way though, racing in a lonely 11th position it was the best Cooper could do but the youngster gained fifth in the overall Championship.

Dan said "I'm a bit disappointed with my results at the final rounds of the year and would have liked to have ended on a high note. I had a shocking migraine on race day which was effecting my concentration on the track and also forcing me to miss some of my braking points. I wanted to do better but with my qualifying position it was always going to make it difficult. It's been a good year though with the Centurion Team and I've had three podiums including one win, which was great and secured fifth in the Championship standings. Thanks must go to all the team for everything they have done for me this year it was very much appreciated."


report by Carly Rathmell Freelance Sports PR

Pix by Eric O' Brien