Irwin confident a new BMW ride will reignite his BSB hopes
Glenn Irwin believes the 2027 British Superbike Championship will offer a fresh start after a disappointing 2026. The twelve‑time North West 200 Superbike winner will race an Alpha Racing‑prepared BMW M 1000 RR for the GRYD Racing team, a partnership between former rider Michael Laverty and David Eltherington.
The 36‑year‑old from Northern Ireland admitted that injuries, crashes, technical problems and a strained relationship with Ducati’s new Panigale V4R prevented him from challenging for the title. Although he managed a podium at Knockhill and performed well at the North West 200, Irwin finished only 14th in the championship standings.
Irwin, who has been runner‑up in BSB twice and lost the 2023 title by half a point to former teammate Tommy Bridewell, reflected on the season in the BBC Bikes podcast. “It’s been hard,” he said. “There were moments when doubts crept in, because that’s natural for an athlete, but there were also moments when you realise you shouldn’t have those doubts.”
Those doubts extended to his future. After a season that fell short of his own standards, Irwin wondered whether the right opportunity would appear for 2027. The chance to join Laverty’s team alongside English rider Storm Stacey convinced him that a new chapter was possible. “Storm’s a great teammate,” Irwin added. “I’m looking forward to learning from him and also passing on what I can.”
The North West 200 played a key role in his decision. The event remains vital to the County Antrim rider, and he wanted a package that could compete at the front in both the British Superbike series and road racing. BMW’s proven performance at the NW200 circuit, together with Stacey’s strong results there, made the move especially appealing.
Irwin is realistic about the challenges ahead but believes his experience, renewed confidence and the new team will help him fight back to winning form. “You have to perform,” he said. “The younger riders are coming through, and you can either step aside or fight. Look at people like Leon Haslam and Tommy Bridewell – they keep getting better. If you want to stay in the sport, you have to.”
He added that expectations are high because he knows what he is capable of. “We’ve done it before and we can do it again.”