Glenn Irwin: Northern Ireland rider backs himself to bounce back after 'hard' year

Glenn Irwin believes he can return to the front of the British Superbike Championship, with an exciting move to Michael Laverty's BMW-backed team providing fresh motivation for 2027.

The 12-time North West 200 Superbike race winner will ride an Alpha Racing-prepared BMW M 1000 RR for the GRYD Racing team, co-owned by Laverty and David Eltherington.

The 36-year-old Northern Ireland rider admits 2026 failed to live up to expectations as injuries, crashes, technical issues and a difficult relationship with Ducati's new Panigale V4R, combined to derail his title ambitions.

Despite showing flashes of his speed with a podium at Knockhill and success at the North West 200, Irwin was left searching for answers throughout a frustrating campaign and ended 14th in the series standings.

The Carrickfergus rider has twice finished runner-up in BSB, including being pipped by half-a-point by then teammate Tommy Bridewell in 2023.

"It's been hard," he reflected of his 2026 season on the BBC Bikes podcast.

"There were moments when doubts came in, because that's natural as a sports person, but there were also moments this year when you realise you shouldn't have those doubts."

Those doubts also extended to his future.

After a disappointing season by his own high standards, Irwin admitted he was concerned about whether the right opportunity would emerge for 2027.

However, the chance to join Michael Laverty's team alongside Englishman Storm Stacey quickly convinced him it was the fresh start he needed.

"Storm's a great team-mate," added Irwin.

"I'm looking forward to taking from him and also passing on to him."

Listen to Glenn Irwin on the BBC Bikes podcast

'We've done it before and we can do it again'

Another significant factor in Irwin's decision was the North West 200.

The event remains hugely important to the county Antrim rider and he wanted a package capable of competing at the front in both British Superbikes and road racing.

BMW's proven strength around the NW200 circuit, coupled with Stacey's impressive performances there, made the move even more appealing.

While excitement surrounds the new challenge, Irwin is under no illusions about what lies ahead, although he does believe the combination of experience, renewed confidence and a fresh start can help him fight his way back to winning ways.

"Of course, you have to perform," he said.

"The whippersnappers are coming up through and you can either step aside and let them take your job or you can fight.

"You look at people like Leon Haslam and Tommy Bridewell. You can continue to get better in this sport. If you want to stay in it, you have to.

"The expectation is there because we know what we can do. We've done it before and we can do it again."