Rhys Irwin came back from Guadix in Spain having taken Ireland right through to the final 40 riders of the World trials for Red Bull Rookies this week and headed straight to Brands Hatch for the final round of the British Superbikes.
Still on a high from his outstanding performance in Spain Rhys had two fabulous Free Practice sessions consistently in third place.
Qualifying on Saturday was dry and getting straight up to the front, disaster struck with a major engine failure. Without a spare engine, Rhys thought his weekend was over but in a last minute offer a borrowed engine followed by work late into the night for Rhys’s mechanics, Rhys was allowed to start the race from 32nd place at the back of the grid.
With conditions treacherous and driving rain Rhys rocketed straight up to 6th position in the opening laps jubilantly taking it home in 3rd place. A great end to his first season on the Moto 3 leaving him a very strong 7th place overall in the Championship.
Meanwhile, older brother Caolán in the 600 Championship had another outstanding weekend. Also still on a high from his win at the Irish Masters Superbikes Championship last weekend. Caolán had a strong FP 1 + 2 session in second place, but his chain snapped in Qualifying leaving him on the second row of the grid.
With riding conditions unsafe in the heavy downpour, Caolán rocketed home in 6th place in one of the hottest contested championships of the BSB season leaving him an unbelievable 9th place overall in the Championship.
Caolán has had an outstanding year never having been out of the top ten with one podium under his belt.
“I’ve had an unbelievable first season in this Championship. To race at the front with some very talented experienced riders is my dream,” said Caolán Irwin.
“Thanks must go to James Gallagher of Oasis Bar Letterkenny, Wesley Regan Clean Rubber Sligo/Donegal, The MCUI, Mondello Park, James Gibbons & son Electrical and Denis Sheridan DS waste Kilmacrennan, without whom this season would have been impossible.
“Also thanks to our Dad, Wesley Regan and Ross Simpson for keeping the bikes going all year and finally a huge thanks to our Mum and Dad and sister Nessa for their constant support and sacrifices to keep our wheels turning.”
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