Glenn Irwin 'staying positive' ahead of Bank Holiday British Superbike meeting at Cadwell Park after Thruxton struggles
Glenn Irwin says he will regroup for this weekend’s Bank Holiday British Superbike round at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire after being left on the “back foot” at Thruxton two weeks ago.
The Nitrous Competitions Racing Ducati rider has been plagued by issues with his V4R machine in 2026 and left round seven at Thruxton with a best result of 11th.
Irwin is ninth in the championship with no chance of challenging for the title this year, but the 36-year-old will be hoping for a strong end to the season with only four more rounds remaining.
“Round seven at Thruxton was one of those weekends where you’re always left thinking what could have been,” Irwin said.
“I started the free practice sessions with pretty good speed and pace and felt comfortable, but our progression was halted pretty quickly by a few issues we had, which put us on the back foot for the remainder of the weekend.
“To be honest, I did feel pretty confident and fast in the races, but Thruxton is a circuit where you really do need to qualify well.
“Unfortunately, with a few coming-togethers with other riders and being run off the circuit, I wasn’t able to achieve the finishes I wanted in the races.
“Once again, I need to try and put everything to the back of my mind, look forward and stay positive ahead of round eight at Cadwell Park.”
Irwin’s team-mate and reigning champion Kyle Ryde leads the standings by 47 points from PBM Ducati’s Scott Redding.
Ryde is bidding to win the title for a third consecutive season and could also become the first rider to retain the BSB crown with different manufacturers following his championship triumph on a Yamaha R1 in 2025.
“I am looking forward to Cadwell Park, it’s always a special weekend for riders, teams and the fans to come and watch,” said Ryde. “Hopefully we get loads of fans there this weekend.
“I am looking forward to Superpole, as we only do it once a year and we have a lot of track time with the test to start things off, so that’s good as it is still a new bike for me around that track.
“It won’t be easy, it took me a few years to get used to the Yamaha around there and then eventually it became one of my best tracks somehow.
“I never used to get on with it, but the last couple of seasons it has been a good track for me, so whatever is thrown at us, I am sure we will be ok.
“We want a few more trophies hopefully, so we can build the championship ready for the Showdown.”
Meanwhile, Danny Buchan will make his BSB comeback with Northern Ireland team MET fonaCAB Racing on a Ducati at Cadwell.
Buchan has joined the team for a one-off appearance and will deputise for Andrew Irwin, who is still out of action through injury.
Free practice takes place today, with Superpole qualifying and the first race (4:15pm) tomorrow.
Monday’s BSB races are at 1:15pm and 4:15pm.