Rhys Irwin in the points on first World Superbikes appearance

Rhys Irwin had the weekend that dreams are made of when he got the golden ticket to debut as a Wild card in the Supersport race at Round 6 of World Superbikes. 

Friday saw mixed conditions with rain for FP1&2 leaving Irwin a very credible 18th and 16th respectively. Holding the nerves at bay he lined up for Race 1 in 18th place on the sixth row of the grid and with a good solid start, took the chequered flag P16. With some minor adjustments to the Suzuki he started Race 2 in the same position and with a race under his belt the brave Kilmacrennan native pushed forward crossing the finish line incredibly in the points on his debut race weekend in World Superbikes. 

The commentators aired their delight describing Irwin as the replacement for the now-retired WSB and MotoGP Irish Racer Eugene Laverty. Irwin certainly made his mark in a pre-race interview with Greg Haines aired on Saturday before Race 1 and again after his incredible finish in Race 2 by James Toseland. 

Shaky Byrne was suitably impressed by him to put his seal of approval on his racing style commenting especially on Rhys's humility and likeability.

“It was just an incredible experience from start to finish we were put into the paddock between Jonatha Rea and Toprack and to be honest, I was a little nervous initially, but once I settled in I tried to treat it like any other race weekend,” Irwin said afterward.

“I am so grateful to my Team Astro JJR Stu, James, Steve, Debs, Kingy and my dad for giving me this opportunity to show-case what I can do. I am on a high at the minute and just so happy. There were so many fans over this weekend I am just overwhelmed by all the messages of encouragement and congratulations. As always I have to remember those people that have supported my racing dream by giving me their time and financial support without whom I just couldn't do it.”

Irwin's next race is at the BSB Snetterton this coming weekend with both races televised on Eurosport.