BSB: Irwin rules out road racing return

British Superbike star Glenn Irwin has ruled out a potential return to road racing as his attentions turn to a new family life.

Making his roads debut last year, Irwin instantly impressed on the international scene with podiums at the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix. Having signed a deal to make his debut with Paul Bird’s Be Wiser Ducati team this season, Irwin was ruled out of any road racing duties. Despite this, he continued to work with the Ulster Grand Prix in an ambassadorial role and was adamant he would return to road racing in the future. 

However, in a candid interview with MCN, Irwin has admitted he’s had a change of heart about his future career following the impact of the birth of his first son, Freddie.

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“I don’t think I’ll go road racing again after having Freddie,” he said, speaking at Brands Hatch. “That’s just how I feel; it’s not me criticising the sport. I love the sport and will always enjoy watching it, but having a little baby changes my outlook on everything. 

“The long and short of it is I want to spend more time at home, even now in between training I’m at home much more and want to be there all the time.

“Road racing is an incredible sport and I feel lucky to carry the Ulster Grand Prix logo on my leathers. I got a great buzz out of road racing, spectators always watch it and wonder what it feels like – I know what it feels like! I’ve got three international podiums and I did that in the space of a year. Yeah, I don’t have any wins but we weren’t far off.” 

Irwin admits having been able to focus 100% on BSB this season has contributed to his successful season so far, with the 26-year-old taking his debut podium last time out at Thruxton.

“BSB is going well and Paul didn’t have any plans to go road racing this year even though I wanted to, and that’s made me work hard here and if anyone sees that attitude as wrong I don’t agree. I’ve got a great opportunity here so I’m happy to put all my effort into it and now I’ve got a family, there’s a little less risk too.”

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