Irwin brothers partner up at Honda Racing

Glenn and Andrew Irwin form the Honda Racing rider line-up for the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike championship with the new Fireblade set to make its debut next year.

After a truncated 2019 BSB campaign starting at Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki before a mid-season split and heading to Tyco BMW for four rounds, Glenn Irwin is looking for a fresh start in 2020 as he joins his younger brother Andrew at Honda.

The older Irwin, who will dovetail his efforts by also competing at next year’s North West 200 and Isle of Man TT with Honda, will be getting to grips with the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP which arrives in the UK at the end of this year.

“I guess it’s natural to be excited to join Honda, but I really am,” Glenn said. “I got a taste for the team at the end of this season with Andrew and got to see the structure and the atmosphere in the garage, it’s an experienced team and to be associated with a brand like Honda, is a dream come true.”

After a successful first full season in BSB, which including a first race win during a standout Thruxton round, Andrew Irwin has been retained by Honda for 2020. The official announcement comes less than 48 hours on from the Marquez brothers teaming up at Repsol Honda in MotoGP.

“Racing is in the blood at Honda, so we’re delighted to be expanding our motorsport activities under Honda (UK),” Neil Fletcher, head of motorcycles at Honda UK, said. “Armed with a new rider line-up and of course the all new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, the team will be looking to have a great year in both the circuit and road racing programme. I can’t wait to see how our racing campaign unfolds, bring on 2020.”

The new-look Honda Racing line-up will also include Davey Todd who is set to compete in the National Superstock 1000 championship as well joining Glenn Irwin at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT in the Superbike and Superstock classes.

Completing the Honda line-up is Tom Neave who has also been retained and will team-mate Todd in the National Superstock 1000 championship in 2020.