Hat-Trick For Heroic Irwin At Sunflower

Local ace Glenn Irwin saw off the competition to record a stunning hat-trick of wins at the annual JAS Finlay Sunflower Trophy Races in his native Northern Ireland yesterday.Glenn Irwin

After a successful rookie season in the MCE British Superbike Championship, the 26 year old from Carrickfergus in County Antrim persuaded Penrith-based team boss Paul Bird to allow him to ride the Be Wiser Ducati Panigale R in front of his local fans where he swept to victory in all three Superbike races.

The results capped a memorable week for the Penrith-based team what with Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne clinching his fifth British Superbike Championship a week ago, whilst Irwin ended his BSB season with another podium meaning he arrived at the County Down track near Downpatrick full of confidence.

Aboard the factory-backed Be Wiser Ducati Panigale R, Irwin was on lap record pace as he beat recent winner Danny Buchan as well as BSB rival Christian Iddon in front of a decent-sized crowd in the dry autumnal sunshine to send the locals home happy.

Glenn Irwin: “It’s been a perfect weekend but like everything in racing we always want more. I would have loved to have gone even quicker but we went as quick as we needed to and I always felt in Glenn Irwin control. Big thanks to my boys as they worked hard and to the team and Birdy for letting us do this meeting. It’s fantastic to end the season on a high back at home with all my friends and family here to celebrate.”

For further information on the Be Wiser Ducati team, please visit www.pbmuk.net

More, from a press release issued by Tyco BMW:

NEW OUTRIGHT LAP RECORD FOR IDDON AT SUNFLOWER TROPHY

Tyco BMW mounted Christian Iddon set a new absolute lap record [1min:05.223sec/100.676mph] on his Bishopscourt debut during today’s 36th running of the Sunflower Trophy races in Northern Ireland.

The Tyco BMW rider was impressive throughout the meeting and but for a red flag incident whilst leading the feature Sunflower Trophy Superbike race, it possibly could have been a dream weekend for the affable Stockport rider.

Iddon did eventually take second place in the re-started Sunflower Trophy race, which went the way of fellow BSB rider Glenn Irwin. Iddon also took second place in the opening Superbike encounter before having to make a dash for the airport to fulfill a prior commitment in England, where he is to be involved in a charity chat show with James Whitham.

Iddon said afterwards: “I’ve really enjoyed the Sunflower event and my debut at Bishopscourt. As always I was welcomed with open arms by the local fans in Northern Ireland, so I desperately wanted to bring the trophy home for the Tyco BMW team. I was learning the track and picking up time throughout the event and by the time we got to the main event the Tyco BMW S1000RR felt great. The red flag situation put us on the back foot, but congratulations to Glenn on the win and both him and Danny [Buchan] for a great race. I’m sorry I had to dash off and miss the final race but I had already made a commitment to be in England for a chat show before I agreed to come to the Sunflower and I didn’t want to let anyone down. Apologies to the local fans for missing the last race, but guaranteed I will be back next season looking to win this famous trophy.”

Philip Neill – Team Manager: “As always, it’s great to be able to support the Hillsborough Club event, Jim Finlay and everyone involved and I’m delighted to see it was once again a big success for all involved. We are extremely pleased with Christian’s performance on his first visit to the circuit, and to take the lap record really is a fantastic achievement.

“Unfortunately there was some confusion regarding tyre changes for the re-start which cost Christian significantly, however fair play to Glenn who did a perfect job today. It’s nice to see him lift the trophy his father Alan has won two times previously. Thanks as always to BMW Motorrad, Tyco Security Products and all our associate sponsors and supporters for a great season.”

For more information please contact – [email protected]

www.tycobmw.com