Glenn and Andrew Irwin set for race debuts on new Honda Fireblade as British Superbike Championship commences at Donington Park

Glenn Irwin was fourth fastest on the Honda Racing Fireblade at the official British Superbike test at Donington Park last week.Glenn Irwin was fourth fastest on the Honda Racing Fireblade at the official British Superbike test at Donington Park last week.
Glenn Irwin was fourth fastest on the Honda Racing Fireblade at the official British Superbike test at Donington Park last week.
Glenn Irwin is aiming to build on an encouraging British Superbike test at Donington Park as he makes his race debut on the all-new Honda Fireblade this weekend.

The championship will finally get underway at Donington after the coronavirus pandemic put the brakes on motorcycle racing around the world.

Irwin and his brother and Honda Racing team-mate Andrew ended last week’s test at the Leicestershire circuit in fourth and seventh places respectively on the combined times on the CBR1000RR-R.

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However, the real action commences in anger this weekend and Glenn is taking nothing for granted ahead of the triple-header at the 1.9-mile National circuit, which will be held without fans.

Andrew Irwin is entering his second season with thenHonda Racing team.Andrew Irwin is entering his second season with thenHonda Racing team.
Andrew Irwin is entering his second season with thenHonda Racing team.

“I’m looking forward to lining back up on the grid, it’s been a long time since Assen last season and to be on the grid on the all-new Fireblade is something I’m really looking forward to,” he said.

“My focus for the weekend is to get the most out of what we have underneath us, I’m excited and also curious to see where that will put us in the order.

“We had a strong test last week, but we don’t know what our rivals were working on, so let’s see where we are come Sunday evening and hopefully we’re leaving Donington Park with a few decent results.”

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Andrew, who is entering his second season with the team after an impressive 2019, is confident he can kick-start the belated 2020 campaign on a strong footing.

Davey Todd will compete in the National Superstock 1000 Championship alongside Tom Neave.Davey Todd will compete in the National Superstock 1000 Championship alongside Tom Neave.
Davey Todd will compete in the National Superstock 1000 Championship alongside Tom Neave.

“I’m really looking forward to the weekend, I believe we can do a decent job and hopefully start the year off with three consistent finishes,” he said.

“It will be nice to line up on the start line again, it feels like a lifetime ago since the final round last year, so it will be good to just get out racing again and get that butterfly feeling.

“I enjoy riding the new Fireblade and testing has been great, but I really enjoy race weekends and everything that comes with it, so can’t wait to rock up to Donington this week and get the season started,” Irwin added.

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“It’s a shame that the fans won’t be able to come to watch, but I’m sure we’ll all put on a good show for everyone watching back at home.”

The revamped championship will be condensed into six rounds with three races at each. With no Showdown format, every point will be vital in determining the title outcome.

North West 200 winner Davey Todd is also gearing up for his debut with the Honda team in the National Superstock 1000 Championship alongside Tom Neave.

Todd and Glenn Irwin were also due to spearhead Honda Racing’s road racing programme this year on the new Fireblade, but sadly the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT were cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

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A host of Northern Ireland riders will return to competitive action at Donington, including Clogher’s Keith Farmer on the Buildbase Suzuki and BSB newcomer Graeme Irwin (Team 46 Motorsport Kawasaki).

Reigning British Supersport champion Jack Kennedy has made the step up to the BSB with TAG Yamaha, while Waterford’s Brian McCormack returns to the class for the first time in 12 years on the Roadhouse Macau BMW.

Eglinton’s David Allingham will compete in the National Superstock 1000 Championship on the InCompetition Aprilia, with British Superstock 600 champion Korie McGreevy moving up to the British Supersport series with EHA Racing on a Yamaha R6.

Road racers Lee Johnston and Paul Jordan plus Ross Patterson from Antrim and Donegal’s Richard Kerr will also ride in the Supersport 600 championship.

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In the concurrently-run GP2 class, Carrick’s Alastair Seeley is among the favourites, with young prospect Scott Swann joining the class on a Yamaha.

The Superstock 600 class features a host of Northern Ireland riders, including Adam McLean, Simon Reid, Sam Laffins, Eugene McManus and Donegal’s Rhys Irwin and Kevin Keyes.

Randalstown’s James McManus will ride in the British Junior Supersport class with fellow young gun Rossi Dobson competing in the British Talent Cup.

Practice gets underway on Friday, with the first BSB race on Saturday at 4.30pm. On Sunday, race two is scheduled for 1.45pm with race three at 4.30pm.

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