Glenn Irwin will contest the 2027 British Superbike Championship riding an Alpha Racing-prepared BMW M 1000 RR for the GRYD Racing team, co-owned by Michael Laverty and David Eltherington. The 36-year-old Northern Ireland rider’s switch comes after a difficult 2026 season where injuries, crashes, and technical problems with Ducati’s new Panigale V4R left him 14th in the standings.
Irwin, a two-time BSB runner-up and 12-time North West 200 Superbike race winner, admitted the past year tested his confidence. Speaking on the BBC Bikes podcast, he said, “It's been hard. 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.” Despite flashes of speed, including a podium at Knockhill and success at the North West 200, the season fell short of his expectations.
The Carrickfergus rider narrowly missed out on the title in 2023, finishing runner-up by just half a point behind then-teammate Tommy Bridewell. Those near-misses and the struggles of 2026 made Irwin question his future in the sport. However, the opportunity to join Laverty’s BMW-backed team alongside Englishman Storm Stacey convinced him to continue.
“Storm’s a great team-mate,” Irwin said. “I’m looking forward to taking from him and also passing on to him.” The team’s focus on both British Superbikes and road racing appealed to Irwin, particularly given the importance of the North West 200 in his career. BMW’s strong performances at the North West 200 and Stacey’s own success there made the move more attractive.
Irwin is aware of the challenge ahead. With younger riders emerging, he knows maintaining his place on the grid will require continuous improvement. “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,” he said. “The expectation is there because we know what we can do. We’ve done it before and we can do it again.”
The GRYD Racing project represents a fresh start for Irwin after a season marred by setbacks. His decision to join the team co-owned by Laverty, a former racer himself, suggests he is betting on a package capable of competing for wins in both the championship and road events.
Irwin’s move to BMW also signals a shift from Ducati machinery, which gave him trouble in 2026. The Alpha Racing-prepared BMW M 1000 RR has a proven record on the North West 200 circuit, a key consideration for a rider who has won there 12 times.
While Irwin’s 2026 campaign was disrupted by a combination of factors, his experience and determination remain intact. The partnership with Laverty and Eltherington’s team and the presence of a capable teammate in Stacey set the stage for Irwin to push back toward the front of British Superbikes in 2027.
According to Yahoo Sports.
