Graeme Irwin will make his return to the British Superbike Championship at Knockhill this weekend as he steps in for his injured brother Andrew Irwin.
Andrew Irwin has been ruled out of action for the foreseeable future after breaking his right humerus bone in an incident at the Knockhill test. It’s the second time that Irwin has sustained this injury, having suffered the same fate at the Knockhill test in 2023 whilst riding for Honda Racing UK.
Graeme Irwin secured the 2017 British MX1 motocross title before switching to circuit racing in 2019 due to a wrist injury and has since had experience in both the Superstock and Superbike class.
“Firstly, and most importantly, I want to wish Andrew a full and speedy recovery,” Irwin said. “Everyone at MET FonaCab Racing is fully behind him, and we are all hoping to see him back where he belongs as soon as possible.
“While Andrew is recovering, I will be stepping in to race for MET FonaCab Racing. It is not a decision I have taken lightly, but it is an opportunity I simply could not turn down. I feel very fortunate to have the chance to ride one of the best bikes in the British Superbike Championship, and with my last full season in BSB in 2021, I also feel I did not get the opportunity to show my full potential at that time.
“My expectations are clear, to enjoy being back racing, support the team, and continue developing the 2026 Ducati V4 R in preparation for Andrew’s return. The focus remains on moving the project forward and making sure the bike is in the best possible position for when Andrew is fit to come back.
“I would also like to thank all of our sponsors, partners, and team members for their continued support and for backing my decision. I am grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to getting started.”
Irwin was able to complete a number of shakedown laps at a private test last week ahead of his return at Knockhill.
“The past few weeks have been extremely disappointing for the team following Andrew’s crash and the subsequent news that he has suffered a broken arm,” Team Principal John Erwin said. “Our thoughts are with Andrew during his recovery, and we wish him a full and speedy return to fitness. We look forward to welcoming him back to the team as soon as he is ready.
“Despite this setback, the team remains fully focused on the season ahead. With Graeme’s previous experience, he is eager to take on the challenge. We are excited to continue our journey, supporting Graeme and the entire team as we move forward. Everyone is looking forward to getting back on track at Knockhill and building momentum for the remainder of the season.”
Sports Reporter - Motorcycle racing enthusiast Josh joined the MCN team in 2019. He studied Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland, leaving with a 2:1 and a Gold Standard Diploma in Journalism from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). Introduced to the world of motorcycle racing by his dad as a youngster, Josh became a fan of MotoGP, WorldSBK and BSB. Like many, Josh became a huge Valentino Rossi supporter…little did he know that years later he would ask a question or two to the man himself.
Sports Reporter and fan of all things motorsport