Glenn Irwin’s bid for this year’s Bennetts British Superbike Championship ended on a bit of a low note at the final round at Brands Hatch where he was unable to challenge for the race wins like he had previously done.

The Honda Racing rider had led the series up until the previous round at Donington Park and although the fairytale ending with his new team and new Fireblade machine failed to materialise, finishing fourth overall, the Carrickfergus rider rightly acclaimed 2020 as a successful season.

“To lead the championship up until the penultimate round was obviously pleasing and although this weekend didn’t go to plan, fourth overall is pretty good going and probably exceeds the expectations we had at the beginning of the season,” Irwin said, speaking to Bikesport News after the final race of 2020.

“I’m a realistic person and trying to claw back 18 points on Josh (Brookes) at a circuit he’s so strong at was always going to be a big ask. The Fireblade has worked phenomenally well this season, as good as any other bike out there, but we have found Oulton and Brands that little bit harder.”

“They’re both undulating circuits with hills, crests, rises, and lots of ups and downs so we know where we need to improve and Andrew’s fifth places show we’re close to where we need to be. We know further changes will be made in 2021 to make us even stronger.”

Fourth place in the Championship was Irwin’s second best ever year in the series and shows just how far he’s come after a disappointing campaign in 2019. Keen to take away the positives from the season, Irwin is ready to challenge for the title again next year.

“We’ve won races and had podiums this year and it’s been a thoroughly enjoyable season. It’s re-ignited the fire in me and given me the belief that I can do the job so hopefully we’ll be able to be back on a bike before Christmas and start the 2021 preparations as soon as possible.”