Kawasaki’s BSB champions dump Glenn Irwin

DEFENDING Bennetts British Superbike Champions Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki has announced it has parted ways with Glenn Irwin after a dismal first-half to the 2019 season. 

The Ulsterman was signed by the Bournemouth Kawasaki-helmed squad to lead the defence of the BSB title following Leon Haslam’s dominant run to the crown in 2018.

However, despite a strong race-winning campaign in 2018 with Be Wiser Ducati – a team he led in the wake of Shane Byrne’s potentially career-ending accident – Irwin struggled to find his groove on the Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

Save for a race-winning turn on the North West 200, Irwin has rarely troubled the top ten in a BSB context with a best finish of ninth place his top turn in the first-half of the season. By contrast, ex-MotoGP rider Hector Barbera finished sixth during a one-off outing at Donington Park on the same machine earlier in the year.

In the wake of these disappointing results, Irwin - currently 16th in the overall standings - and the factory Kawasaki outfit have parted ways with immediate effect. 

“Glenn has a long history with Kawasaki, riding for us in a multitude of classes and achieving numerous successes along the way,” said Kawasaki Motors UK Senior Racing Coordinator, Ross Burridge.

“We signed Glenn on to the team with the hope of retaining the British Championship title this year, but for a myriad of reasons it hasn't worked out. 

“I would like to personally thank Glenn for his efforts in trying to turn his season around and for his tremendous achievement at the Northwest 200. Best of luck in what the future holds for you Glenn.”

With Barbera re-joining the team for an outing at Snetterton last weekend, the Spaniard is considered the likely favourite to make the full-time switch to BSB.

Some petroleum for the arm chair critics poured out today. #twitterMuted

— Glenn Irwin (@GIrwinRacing) July 25, 2019