Maiden test for new Hawk Racing British Superbike riders Eugene McManus and Rhys Irwin at Mallory Park 'absolutely unbelievable'
New Hawk Racing British Superbike riders Eugene McManus and Rhys Irwin have completed their first test ahead of the 2026 season at Mallory Park.
Randalstown’s McManus and Irwin from Donegal will ride the MasterMac Honda Fireblade machines in an all-new line-up for Stuart and Steve Hicken.
McManus finished sixth in the Supersport class last year and made his debut on the MasterMac Honda at the Sunflower Trophy meeting at Bishopscourt in October, where he claimed a victory and narrowly missed out on winning the headline Sunflower race after a last-lap battle with Ulster Superbike champion Carl Phillips.
“I had a great day getting my first go of the year on the Superbike, my first time riding at Mallory Park too which was good,” said McManus.
“Thanks to Hawk Racing and everyone in the MasterMac Honda team. We look forward to getting more testing in now in preparation for 2026.”
Irwin enjoyed a dream year in 2025 as the 23-year-old won the British Supersport crown on the Gearlink Bike Performance 15 Suzuki, opening the door for a move into the elite BSB class.
He was having his first outing on the 1000cc Honda in Friday’s test at Mallory and described the experience as “absolutely unbelievable”.
“It has been an absolutely unbelievable day today, so a massive thanks to Steve and the team for getting me out, that is a massive box ticked for me – my first day as a British Superbike rider and I couldn’t be happier,” Irwin said.
“It has been unbelievable to work with the team and everyone and a great start to the year. I really can’t wait to get started now with everything coming up and I can’t wait to get going.”
The Hawk Racing duo will join Northern Ireland’s Glenn Irwin in the championship, when the two-time title runner-up will return to Ducati machinery with the Nitrous Competitions Racing team.
County Antrim’s Scott Swann has yet to secure a BSB ride for 2026 after making his full-time debut in the series last year, while former Honda Racing UK rider Andrew Irwin is another Ulsterman yet to announce his plans.
The 2026 British Superbike Championship will blast off at Oulton Park in Cheshire over the early May bank holiday weekend from May 2-4.
Two official BSB tests are scheduled before then at Donington Park and Oulton from April 3-4 and April 21-22 respectively.