News

Jack Kennedy has proved once more his talent and tenacity by finishing 7th in the standings in his World Supersport rookie season. The 25 year old from Dublin, Ireland, raced the Rivamoto Honda CBR600RR to new highs and finished consistently within the top-10 throughout the year. Kennedy is now ready for the new challenge as part of PTR Honda and will be aiming to even greater results in his second WSS campaign.

How was your rookie season in WSS?

"I've had a really enjoyable rookie season in WSS and it's been a fantastic one. Phillip Island was an exciting start of 2013, I think we exceeded even our own expectations, qualifying 5th and top ten in the race. This really fired us up as a team as we knew we had what it takes to be competitive. The aim was to score as many point possible, which we did, finishing within the top ten in nearly every race. Our consistency paid and placed us 7th overall in the standings which is a great result for all the team's hard work. I made me very happy to have achieved this on my debut to the series.

Did you expect WSS to be so challenging?

"Of course, it's WSS and it's a big step up for any rider but that's what I came for! The competition is intense with strong riders who are very fast and not much separates the top twenty. This season was dominated at the front by Sam (Lowes) and Kenan (Sofuoglu), with most races having a eight-rider battle for the final podium position. It is so important to be on top of your game all time as one little mistake in any session can leave you playing catch up for the whole race weekend. In the race if you're not in a good position within the first three to four laps, some of the gaps can be near impossible to close."

You showed great speed despite the lack of knowledge of the tracks and the fact that you were new to the team, but somehow you missed something during the races. Have you figured out why?

"This has been my learning year with a new team, bike and circuits to learn and it was a steep learning curve. I adapted quickly to the new circuits which was a bonus and at some tracks would do great in qualifying only to finish the race further down than I would have liked. The team would give me a good base setting which as I became faster, we could tweak and improve on. There are always a few 'ifs' 'buts' and 'maybes' when you look back over a season but overall I was happy with my race performance. Some of the tight twisty circuits suited our bike better but at the very fast tracks where pure power was needed it could be frustrating.

Race starts became an issue at a few rounds where a good qualifying would be ruined by not being able to get the bike off the line. Tyre life though probably had the most impact on my results. You can only improve your race craft through race experience and I learnt over the season to manage the tyres better. Portimao was probably our best chance lost for a podium finish. I had started out really strong riding better than I ever have, battling for pole with Kenan (Sofuoglu) and Sam (Lowes) in first qualifying. Unfortunately in a small collision with Sam in final qualifying, I clipped the high kerb, badly damaging my knee. I was unsure if I would even be able to race because I couldn't walk unaid but managed to match my best result with another 6th place finish. I was happy to get another solid result even though I was injured but felt we had the potential of a podium there and I really wanted that podium."

How was working with Rivamoto?

"Brilliant, I couldn't have asked for a better team in my rookie year and we have had a great season. I gelled straight away with everyone on the team and while we had the same goal, I never felt any pressure on me to get results, as they say 'a happy rider is a fast rider'. The team worked hard all year to give me the best bike possible and were always looking for ways improve the bike's performance. I was in safe hands with my mechanics, Andy and Fulvio, which gave me great confidence on the track. I was also very lucky to have a mentor like Jeremy McWilliams, we worked really well together and I learnt so much from him this season that I will take into the next. I am thankful to him for taking a chance on me and giving me the opportunity to step up to the world stage. It was a privilege to work with such a great crew this year and we have parted as good friends. I wish team Rivamoto all the very best for the future."

What will you be doing next year?

"I will be back in WSS next year, riding for PTR Honda. It's great to have plans in place and if I can keep improving like I have been, hopefully next year will see another step forward. I am excited to be joining PTR as they have proven they can challenge for the title previously with Eugene, Jules and Sam. The learning year is over, I have a good season behind me with track knowledge in my favour and feel I am riding better than ever before. Now I want to be a regular podium finisher and championship contender in my second year in the class. I have ridden a Honda all year so staying with the same manufacturer is good and I think the rule changes will favour the Honda. It's not going to be easy and I know the competition will be as fierce as ever but I feel I am ready to take it to the next level."