Andrew Irwin To Ride Be Wiser Ducati
Ulsterman Andrew Irwin will join elder brother Glenn in the Be Wiser Ducati British Superbike Championship Team starting with round four at Snetterton this weekend (June 15/17).
It follows the unfortunate accident which befell six times and reigning Bennetts BSB champion Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne at the official BSB test at Snetterton last month which left the Londoner with a number of serious injuries and meant he would be out of action for the foreseeable future.
As a result, team owner Paul Bird has recruited the 23 year old from Carrickfergus, who has won at British Supersport Championship level and this year has been contesting the World Supersport Championship with a best result of tenth at Donington Park last month.
Both PBM team riders are testing at Knockhill today prior to the event at Snetterton getting underway on Friday.
Johnny Mowatt, Team Co-ordinator: “The last thing we wanted or indeed expected to be doing was to find another rider in place of Shakey, but we have a responsibility to Ducati, whom we are very proud to represent, as well as our valued sponsors and the series organisers to field two riders where possible. Andrew knows the team and will fit in well despite his lack of experience, which is where Glenn’s help and guidance will be so valuable moving forwards. Shakey is still an integral part of our team and, being the professional he is, he fully understands the situation and supports the decision to bring Andrew in at this time.”
Andrew Irwin: “To be given an opportunity with one of the best teams in the paddock is amazing and I can’t thank everyone at PBM and Be Wiser Ducati enough. This is going to be a very steep learning curve but one which doesn’t daunt me, as I know with everyone’s help it will be made a lot easier, and who better to have on the other side of the garage than my big brother! I’ll give it my all and hope the results reflect the effort I’ll be putting in. I’d like to wish Shakey well in his recovery and I’ll do my best to keep the seat warm for him!”
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