Double podium at Thruxton for 'Smiling Assassin' Rhys Irwin

Motorcycle legend Shakey Byrne bestowed the title of 'The Smiling Assassin' on Rhys Irwin after his second podium of the weekend at Thruxton.

Irwin certainly lived up to this title as he smiled from ear to ear after maintaining second place in the British Superbikes Premier Supersport Championship when finishing third in Race 1 and second in Race 2.

The weekend brought mixed conditions as heavy rain for Friday's qualifying meant unpredictable track conditions.

Irwin rode a safe race with the Championship in his sights and he made no error in taking the Suzuki home in third following a steward’s enquiry resulting in another competitor being disqualified from the race results due to an infringement of the rules.

Kevin Gallagher is leading modified driver at ALMC Rally

Rathmullan driver Kevin Gallagher, in a Darrian T90 GTR, was fifth overall in Sunday's event, held over nine stages.

Sunday saw clear skies and Irwin racing his heart out from flag to flag.

In the final laps it came down to Currie, Irwin, Booth Amos and Staplefort with the Donegal man leading into the final two laps.

A false neutral pushed Irwin wide opening a gap for Currie to take the chequered flag with tenths of seconds between the racers. Irwin followed Currie over the line followed by Booth Amos and Staplefort. 

A clear favourite with the commentators Irwin said that he was delighted with his results.

He said: “I’m not going to lie. I am so,so happy with my results this weekend.

“I am just so grateful for all the backing from my sponsors. My journey would not be possible without them. I am just so delighted with all the  messages of support that I am getting from the fans and I read every one of them.”

Irwin moves on to Round 8 in two weeks’ time at Brands Hatch.