Donington BSB: Bad luck limits Irwin’s potential

The ups and downs of motorcycle racing were clearly demonstrated to Glenn Irwin at the weekend as the Honda Racing rider went from the euphoria of success at the North West 200 to scoring just 11 points at round three of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Donington Park.

The Carrickfergus man found luck in scarce supply at the Leicestershire venue where, despite strong race pace which promised plenty, a broken footpeg in race two and then a spill in race three, when he had to take avoiding action after Leon Haslam crashed in front of him, left him pointless on Sunday. Fifth in Saturday’s opener was all he had to show for his efforts, when he certainly deserved more.

“I knew I had to make a good start in Saturday’s race and I wanted to get in with the three boys at the front, which I managed to do working my way up to third at one stage,” he said. “All weekend we’ve struggled a little with the front end though and I think I could have used my experience to point the guys in the direction to help with front end entry.”

“Saturday’s race highlighted where we were struggling but that being said I scored 11 points and to come here after the two wins at the North West 200 and have a fifth in the first race back at BSB was pleasing.”

The fifth place gave him plenty to build on and plenty of optimism as he looked to get back on the podium for the first time since his hat-trick of wins at round one. Indeed, he was well positioned in each race to score good points and, potentially, take more podium credits as he ran with the leading pack. Instead, a crash and a retirement was the outcome. “Sunday was a day of two halves really,” he said “I felt good in race two and I could see a few riders ahead dropping back and I was