Irwin returns to Honda for 2023 Bennetts BSB

Honda Racing UK has confirmed 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship season, and while Glenn Irwin has left for pastures new, his seat will be filled by his brother Andrew Irwin who returns to the Louth-based team, to form a two-man team alongside Tom Neave.

The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP took five victories and five further podiums during the 2022 season with Glenn Irwin taking the runners-up spot in the championship behind eventual winner, Bradley Ray.

Andrew Irwin is a familiar face to the team he spent two seasons with, taking his first ever BSB victory at Thruxton in 2019 and then joining forces with his brother in 2020 when the current generation of the Fireblade was unveiled. In that COVID-curtailed season, the Northern Irishman secured three victories on his way to 6^th in the title, including a win at the bike’s debut race at Donington Park.

Andrew secured a strong finish to the 2022 season with three podium visits from the final four races. He said, “I can’t wait to get back on the Fireblade. It was a bike I loved, and I believe I am getting on an even better bike than when I left two years ago so I can’t wait to get back on it and just to get stuck into it. The bike is good which Glenn proved in 2022 and there is no reason why we can’t have a strong championship. I plan to have a really good off season and work hard and try to come into 2023 season in the best shape possible.”

Meanwhile, Tom Neave remains with Honda Racing UK for his second year in the premier class, and fifth consecutive season with the team overall. The 2021 Pirelli National Superstock Champion looks to build on his debut full-time ride on the Superbike in which Lincolnshire-man Tom finished in 19^th position in the championship standings having scored points in 14 races in 2022.

Tom said, “We have achieved a lot together over the previous seasons, so to remain on the Fireblade for another year will be a positive step for me. There’s no denying my first full season on the superbike has been a tough one, but continuity is key at this point and the experience I have gained along the way has been invaluable. Next season I look forward to repaying the faith that Honda have shown in me.”

Both Andrew and Tom will be attending 2022 Motorcycle Live BSB Sunday on 20^th November. Plans for the Honda Racing UK 2023 Roads programme will be announced at a later date.