Andrew Irwin holds nerve for maiden BSB win
Honda's Andrew Irwin powers to his first BSB victory at Thruxton ahead of Scott Redding and Josh Brookes
BSB Thruxton - Race Results (1)
Andrew Irwin became the fifth rider to taste the winners’ champagne for the first time in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship this season with a stunning victory in race one at Thruxton.
In a race that comfortably lived up to Thruxton’s reputation for close competitive action and slipstreaming, the top three positions changed hands on numerous occasions as a packed lead group jostled for honours before Irwin emerged on top.
For a time it looked as though Jason O’Halloran would get back to winning ways on the McAMS Yamaha after powering ahead of Peter Hickman with four laps remaining, but he couldn’t resist a charging Irwin, whose pass for the lead on the penultimate lap proved decisive.
In the fray for victory from the start, though Irwin yo’yo’d with the momentum, he chose his moment to pounce perfectly, not least because by the chequered flag he’d have a charging Scott Redding breathing down his neck.
A maiden BSB win for Irwin sees him join Tarran Mackenzie, Josh Elliott, Redding and Danny Buchan in topping the BSB podium for the first time in 2019, as well add another success to the Irwin family album following Glenn’s maiden win in 2018.
The win also marks Honda’s first in BSB since Oulton Park 2017 when Dan Linfoot triumphed.
Though unable to capitalise on his pole position, Redding furthered his advantage in the standings with his run to second after passing Josh Brookes late on.
O’Halloran and Hickman had to settle for fourth and fifth position having been the pace setters for much of the race, while Title Showdown provisional place holder Xavi Fores confirmed Honda’s race pace with strong run to seventh.
Tommy Bridewell started second but could only manage eighth, as Luke Mossey and Ryan Vickers completed the top ten.
