Rhys Irwin celebrates his superbikes title win
Rhys Irwin was crowned the 2025 Supersport Champion after finishing third in a dramatic season finale, while Ben Currie took victory in challenging wet conditions.
As heavy rain swept across the circuit, riders approached the start with caution. 2023 champion Ben Currie made an excellent getaway to take an early lead, with Kilmacrennan native Irwin settling into second place.
Outgoing titleholder Jack Kennedy moved into third but was overtaken by Joe Talbot on the third lap. The front group stayed unchanged for several laps until Lap Seven, when Talbot surged past Irwin to claim second position.
Kennedy also managed to pass the Gearlink Bike Performance rider soon after, dropping Irwin to fourth. Despite this, the position was still enough to keep Irwin in control of the overall championship standings.
Talbot then took the race lead on Lap Nine, just before the Safety Car made its second appearance.
Once the race resumed, Talbot initially held on to first place, but Currie was quick to apply pressure and soon retook the lead. Moments later, Talbot’s race ended abruptly as he crashed out.
Kennedy regained second place, and behind him, Eunan McGlinchy mounted a late charge—overtaking Irwin for third on the penultimate lap. However, his hopes were dashed when he also went down while trying to navigate through backmarkers.
Kennedy chased Currie in the closing stages but couldn’t quite make a move, finishing second as Currie took the checkered flag for Moto Rapido Ducati. Irwin came home safely in third to secure his first British title.
“I so badly wanted to win this championship for everyone at Gearlink,” he said. “I can’t believe after all these years I’ve managed to win it for them.
“We lost two brilliant people this year sadly, Shane Richardson and Owen Jenner. Shane was my team-mate and I hope he’s looking down and he’s proud. This is my life’s work and I’m so happy.”
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