Andrew Irwin crowned Ulster champion

Riding the Aquarius Couriers Suzuki, young Irwin was in sensational form, destroying the opposition in both races. When I spoke to him, the jubilant Irwin reflected on a brilliant day’s work at the fast flowing Co Down circuit.

“I went pole by 0.2 of a second in qualifying so I knew it would be tight in the races between myself and Conor Parkhill, but I knew if I rode my normal race I would be able to beat him. Unfortunately, he DNFd which gave me the Ulster championship.

“In the first race I set a new lap record on a Suzuki that isn’t anywhere near as good as the Kawasakis, but Charlie from Aquarius Couriers has given me a really good bike this year and done a lot to help me through the season. In the second race it was me and Conor and I outbraked him into the first corner to lead and from there I just put my head down for every lap of the race to win it.

“I have to say a big thanks to my mum and dad, my auntie Linda, my girlfriend Jade and everyone who has helped my during the year,” concluded Andrew, who will go to Mondello Park for the final round of the Irish championship on October 6-7 with every chance of adding the Irish title to his Ulster crown.

In the same supertwins class, Burnside rider Lee Hill was making a welcome return to the track and althoughrusty he managed two fourth places on the JHS Suzuki.

“It has been nearly four months since I raced and in qualifying I was four seconds off the pace,” said the former champion. “I improved a lot as the day went on and I suppose I have to be happy enough with my two fourth places. That will probably be my last race of the season.”

More motorbikes coverage in this week’s Times