Glenn Irwin believes he can return to the front of the British Superbike Championship, with an exciting move to Michael Laverty's BMW-backed team providing fresh motivation for 2027.
The 12-time North West 200 Superbike race winner will ride an Alpha Racing-prepared BMW M 1000 RR for the GRYD Racing team, co-owned by Laverty and David Eltherington. The 36-year-old Northern Ireland rider admits 2026 failed to live up to expectations as injuries, crashes, technical issues and a difficult relationship with Ducati's new Panigale V4R combined to derail his title ambitions. Despite showing flashes of his speed with a podium at Knockhill and success at the North West 200, Irwin was left searching for answers and ended 14th in the series standings.
The Carrickfergus rider has twice finished runner-up in BSB, including being pipped by half-a-point by then teammate Tommy Bridewell in 2023. "It's been hard," he reflected of his 2026 season on the BBC Bikes podcast. "There were moments when doubts came in, because that's natural as a sports person, but there were also moments this year when you realise you shouldn't have those doubts."
However, the chance to join Michael Laverty's team alongside Englishman Storm Stacey quickly convinced him it was the fresh start he needed. Another significant factor was the North West 200, an event hugely important to the County Antrim rider. BMW's proven strength around the circuit, coupled with Stacey's impressive performances there, made the move even more appealing. "Storm's a great team-mate," added Irwin. "I'm looking forward to taking from him and also passing on to him."
While excitement surrounds the new challenge, Irwin is under no illusions about what lies ahead. "Of course, you have to perform," he said. "The whippersnappers are coming up through and you can either step aside and let them take your job or you can fight." He believes the combination of experience, renewed confidence and a fresh start can help him fight his way back to winning ways.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing