BSB: Irwin to remain with Be Wiser Ducati for 2018

Published: 15 September 2017

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Glenn Irwin will remain with the Be Wiser PBM Ducati team for the 2018 MCE British Superbike season, it has been confirmed.

The Northern Irish rider, who won his first race last time out at Silverstone, will remain with the Penrith for the third consecutive year alongside five-time British Champion Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne who heads into the second year of a two-year deal.

The news marks the completion of the first team for the 2018 grid with no other riders yet signed up, although that is expected to change in coming weeks.

“It’s obviously where I wanted to be,” Irwin told MCN at Oulton Park. “I had some good interest but all I wanted is to stay here with PBM. Paul has been good to me this year, especially through the tough couple of months with the injury. I’ve had plenty of support and no pressure even through a period where my results were pretty horrific.

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“It’s nice to have that belief in me. This is my first proper contract and I feel that puts me into a strong position ahead of next year.

“The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for us this year as I went to Knockhill feeling ready to win and ended up leaving in an ambulance! Now we’re slowly getting there again and with the win at Silverstone there’s no excuses any more, it’s time to get up the sharp end and support Shakey in his championship challenge and then next year I can push on myself”

Team boss Paul Bird added: “I’m happy to have signed up both Shakey and Glenn for next year, it’s worked well so far so that’s how we’ll continue. Glenn has shown some good potential in his time with the team, he has been held back a bit by injury this year but his win at Silverstone shows what he’s capable of.”

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By Oli Rushby

Former sports reporter covering British Superbikes, World Superbikes and road racing