Strange but true: Andrew Irwin and Honda Racing UK will not continue together for the next season. The news came like a bolt from the blue last night after Havier Beltran’s team issued a press release. After two seasons full of ups and downs, victories and (above all …) mistakes, the partnership ends with the 25-year-old’s desire to start a new chapter in his career soon. This news has a resounding effect and opens up numerous possible scenarios.
A crystalline talent, but too often prone to mistakes
As runner-up in the 2017 British SuperSport 600 championship and with world-class experience at CIA Landlord Insurance Honda, Andrew Irwin took his first steps in the BSB British Superbike in the Be Wiser PBM Ducati Team, replacing the irreplaceable Shane “Shakey” in the second half of 2018 “Byrne. After an initial adjustment phase In 2019, the Carrickfergus man caught the attention of Honda Racing UK, one of Britain’s most glorious teams (with four titles won in recent years). Despite his great talent, with his first career win in Thruxton, Andrew Irwin immediately stood out for his “at the limit” (and error-prone) driving style: first in Race 1 on his Silverstone ‘National’ debut, followed by Race 2 at Cadwell Park, both episodes to the detriment of 2019 Champion Scott Redding.
After ending his first full season at BSB in disappointment that he couldn’t get into the showdown due to a forgotten weekend at Oulton Park, 2020 then began with ambitions for success thanks to the introduction of the brand new CBR 1000RR-R SP. As in 2018, the 25-year-old immediately dominated the first two races of the season on the Donington national track alongside his much more experienced brother Glenn. But after a short time his joy was met (again …) overzealous: in Race 3, in a futile attempt to respond to Josh Brookes’ attack, he hit the Australian hard and hit the crash barriers violently. Once again involved with one of Paul Bird’s Ducati Panigale V4-Rs, this event forced Race Direction to take second place away from Andrew Irwin and drop his license for an additional three points (the same as after the Cadwell Park accident in 2019). Despite a competitive technical package, the Honda Racing UK man slipped out of the fight for the title over the course of the laps due to numerous DNFs at Snetterton, Oulton Park and Donington Park. The final track, this time in the ‘Grand Prix’ layout, marked Andrew Irwin’s return to the top step of the podium at the end of the first race.
What now? The new BMW M1000RR looks interesting, but there might be surprises
Despite three wins in 2020, the Andrew Irwin-Honda pairing went wrong after the Brands Hatch finale. While we wait to understand further developments and the reasons behind the divorce, the driver market is sure to see a major upheaval in 2021. As the official statement said, Andrew Irwin was lured by the opportunity to take on a “new challenge” in his career. It is clear that the 25-year-old wants to stay in the British Superbike, but it is not yet known with which team. There are still a few spots left, especially for the brand new ones BMW M1000RR. But there could also be some last-minute surprises. At the same time, the hunt for the second seat of Honda Racing UK is already in full swing. One thing is for sure, the BSB British Superbike winter is sure to be full of interest.