Sponsor boost for British Supersport racer Irwin

Irwin, from Carrickfergus, tipped as one of the favourites to lift this year’s Supersport championship, made his road-racing debut at the 2014 Ulster Grand Prix and hopes to compete again in 2015 alongside a title challenge on the short circuits.

The Gearlink Kawasaki rider, a former pupil of Larne Grammar, recorded five wins on his way to fourth place overall in BBS in 2014, including a standout performance in the rain at Cadwell Park, and is already looking forward to getting back out on both the track and the roads.

“Throughout last year we were constantly improving and I felt stronger and stronger with every meeting, so hopefully we can take that positive mindset forward into this season,” he said.

“I’m pushing hard in the gym and even though there’s a lot of talk about the championship I don’t feel under any more pressure, if anything I think it gives me a little bit more motivation.

“As always the team has been working really hard in the off season. We’ve got a good package and some fantastic sponsorship, so it’s great to be in such a strong position heading into round one.

“For me personally, having the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix come on board to sponsor me has been a massive boost. It’s the world’s fastest road race and having such great local support shows how just many people believe in me.

“Together we can help promote UGP Bike Week and hopefully we can attract even more fans because it’s such a fantastic event. I loved it last year and I genuinely can’t wait to get back out on the roads again, nothing compares to the feeling.”