Andrew Irwin says 'I've seen my bike, I've sat on my bike' as British Superbike rider promises official 2026 announcement 'soon'
British Superbike rider Andrew Irwin is confident he has the “best opportunity” of his career in 2026 after confirming he has “seen and sat on his bike” for this year’s championship.
The Carrickfergus man parted company from Honda Racing UK last season in his second stint with the factory team, which lasted three years.
Irwin, who also rode for Honda for two years in 2019 and 2020 – winning his maiden BSB race at Thruxton in 2019 – says he will be officially announcing his plans “sooner rather than later”.
“I had a very productive January, I’m very happy with how I’ve come on in January,” said Irwin, speaking recently as a live host of On the Podium Prizes.
“January has been a great month and obviously for us as motorbike racers we can work on training again. I got injured in September so I had a slightly longer off-season than normal, so I’ve really been enjoying training again.
“I feel like I’ve got a bit of a new lease of life and I’m very excited for what 2026 has to offer for me.
“Can’t tell you what I’m on but what I can tell you is I have seen my bike, I have sat on my bike, and I’m very happy with what I will be doing in 2026,” Irwin added.
“I actually can’t wait to tell everyone because I’d love to tell everyone sooner rather than later, so hopefully… I will tell everyone my plans for 2026 sooner rather than later.
“I think I have the best opportunity I’ve ever had in BSB and I’m very grateful for the opportunity I have to do it, and that’s all I can say on that.
“I’m looking forward to racing, happy with life, happy with everything.”
While Irwin is looking forward to this season with renewed optimism, he admits that he was “stressed” about his future after being let go by Honda.
“Don’t get me wrong, to be absolutely honest, in November and December I was extremely stressed,” he said. “I’ve been a professional motorbike racer for the past eight years, I’ve been paid a salary, and whenever you get let go, as I did from Honda, you obviously stress a little bit and worry.
“But I will tell everyone what I’m doing soon and you don’t need to worry.”
Irwin clinched a trio of rostrum results at Honda’s home round of the championship last August at Cadwell Park.
However, a crash at Donington Park ruled him out of the final three rounds of 2025 and his departure from Honda was announced ahead of the final round at Brands Hatch.
The Northern Ireland rider was replaced in the team by Ryan Vickers alongside Jason O’Halloran after former champion Tommy Bridewell left Honda to ride for the new Superbike Advocates Ducati squad.