Kilmacrennan's Rhys Irwin ‘buzzing’ after podium place at Silverstone

Round 1 of British Superbikes kicked off at Silverstone over the weekend and did not disappoint with action packed full grids for the Premier Class Supersport, where Kilmacrennan’s Rhys Irwin claimed a podium place.

Qualifying saw Irwin qualify on row two of the grid. Putting in fast lap times Rhys was confident for the race and got off to a great start but an over ambitious manoeuvre from another racer ended up with both racers in the gravel but unhurt. 

On race two, Irwin was on row seven of the grid and once the lights turned green he rocketed to the front and by lap three was leading the pack followed closely by veteran racer Lee Johnston. 

Irwin held the lead for much of the race but in the last lap gave Johnston a gap to pass and experience shone through with Johnston taking the chequered flag by 0.062 seconds in front of Irwin, who was followed by Australian Supersport Champion Toparis. In his post race interview a delighted Irwin said: “I am just buzzing after that. Lee is one of my all time heroes who I used to queue up for his autograph at the TT. 

“I thought I had him but I gave him an inch in the last lap and he took it. This is such a hard class with so many experienced racing champions and that is the closest finish ever but to come in behind Lee and in front of Toparis isn't a bad day's racing.' 

Irwin went on to thank all his supporters and sponsors, without them he would be unable to race, especially his local sponsors James Gallagher Northwest Customs and the Oasis Bar,  Hugh Kelly Tree Services, Northwest Electrical Services.