Brands BSB Final: ‘There are a lot of riders hot on our heels’ - Irwin

Honda’s Glenn Irwin is looking in two directions at this weekend’s Brands Bennetts British Suoperbike finale as he is chasing Brad Ray for the title and defending second from Tommy Bridewell.

The Carrickfergus rider has a 66-point deficit to series leader Rea but only holds one point over Bridwell’s Ducati with 75 available over the weekend.

“Obviously it’s nice to go into the final round with a mathematical chance of winning the championship, however this is racing and anything can happen, and there’s a lot of riders hot on Bradley’s (Ray) and our heels,” said Irwin.

“I think a realistic goal for the weekend is second in the championship and that’s the battle we have, which is something we can control. We made some steps with the Fireblade a few rounds ago that have now been refined. I have also made a step with myself and some old injuries, which are now no longer injuries and it’s allowed me to gel with the bike where I feel we’re getting the maximum potential from the Honda.

“If we’re able to capitalise on this over the weekend I feel we can stand on the podium. This weekend we’re aiming for second in the championship, third would be at the worst and the title at the best, but it’s most important to stand on that rostrum in some position.