Be Wiser Ducati MCE British Superbike star Glenn Irwin will race his Panigale at this year’s North West 200 as he attempts to bring home a Superbike trophy.

The 27-year-old was a sensation when he made his debut at the Vauxhall-backed event in 2015, finishing on the podium in the second Supersport race. Irwin sat out the 2016 races to concentrate on his BSB challenge in his first season with Paul Bird’s Ducati squad alongside Shane Byrne. But it was no secret he wanted to return to the North West.

“I am a road racer and it is great to have the opportunity to race in front of my home crowd again,” said Irwin. “I really want to do the North West again because I loved the place when I first raced there. It will be great for people to see a great bike like the Ducati in action too. It really makes me smile to think about it all so I hope when people hear this news they will have a smile on their face too.”

Irwin is now aiming for his first road race win on a Superbike in front of his home crowd. “When I first raced the North West I learnt what it was like to run at the front but not what it was like to win. Maybe I am not the favourite to win a Superbike race yet but that’s not how I see it and I go road racing to win. It is going to be some craic.”