Irwin ready for intensity as he targets BSB title

Glenn Irwin is a three-time runner up in the British Superbike Championship [Getty Images]

Glenn Irwin says he "enjoys and thrives" in the intense environment of the British Superbike Championship as he targets his first title.

Irwin is a three-time runner-up in and will ride a Ducati for Nitrous Competitions Racing in 2026.

Despite an ongoing "niggle" in his shoulder, the 36-year-old said he had a "good pre-season" as the team adapts to new Ducati machinery.

"We have the package, the tools and I think the best engineers in the paddock," Irwin told BBC Sport NI.

"The guys have worked flat out around the clock so a huge thanks to them for their effort."

Irwin, who had an injury-hit year in 2025, is joined in the team by reigning BSB champion Kyle Ryde, who won the title at the final round of the season last year.

The BSB season starts at Oulton Park from 2-4 May and Irwin will head straight back to his native Northern Ireland after the season opener to race at the North West 200.

Irwin, who took a year off racing at the international road race, will look to extend his record of 11 wins in the Superbike class.

"They are two very different things. BSB is a very intense environment, which is one I thoroughly enjoy and thrive on," Irwin told BBC Sport NI.

"The North West feels like a holiday for me, as I've always said.

"I go there for a bit of rest and relaxation, win a few races all being well and come back to Donington [for the second BSB round] recharged."

'We'll only get stronger'

Irwin is not the only rider from Northern Ireland who is competing in the championship.

His younger brother, Andrew, will ride a Ducati for his own team after three years with the factory Honda team.

"People don't realise the amount of work that has gone in to making this happen," Irwin, a four-time BSB race winner, said at the pre-season test at Oulton Park.

"I feel confident and I'm really enjoying the bike. As long as I stay calm and continue to adapt to the Ducati, we'll only get stronger."

Eugene McManus will make his British Superbike debut at Oulton Park for MasterMac Honda and he says it is "by no means an easy task".

"It's a real challenge but I'm enjoying every bit of it," he said.