Glenn Irwin remains in with a shot of securing his first Bennetts British Superbike Championship title this weekend at Brands Hatch as the Hager PBM Ducati rider remains the third rider in contention ahead of the decisive final three races of the season.
Irwin trails Kyle Ryde at the top of the standings by 46 points, but with a maximum of 105 available this weekend, Hager PBM Ducati are still not giving up hope of securing a tenth title for the team.
Irwin has won four of the last six races to be held at the final round at the Kent track and admits that the pressure is on his rivals ahead of him as the final three races beckon this weekend.
Irwin said: “Off the back of Donington Park, that was really good with a third, first and fourth. I think the win was one of the best rides I've ever done. It’s funny, I said that after the third we started to find a way to reduce the weaknesses of the Ducati.
“I felt in many other times of my career I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’ve done, digging in like that, so I found a way of riding where I can control the slide a little bit more and reduce what we lost the last race at Donington Park. It was really fun riding with Kyle and the guys but in the end my tyre was gone. But I was still pleased with the lap times we managed to do.
“Going into Brands Hatch this weekend we have a lot of confidence and positivity. The Ducati has been very strong there before. A cooler Brands Hatch I think gives us a real fighting chance to continue to fight for success, win us some podiums and whatever that may be in terms of championship, it’s been an absolute blast this season. We’ve won eight races, only two less than I won last year.
“If we can get a couple of wins to start the weekend and outscore our rivals, then we can take it to the final race and anything can happen. We have to make sure we are in the fight and to take advantage of any slip up by Kyle or Tommy. If we can get a bit of luck, then the title is possible, but either way, to finish where we end up will be a remarkable achievement.
“I’m just going to be relaxed like I was last year. That was a different situation but I’m looking forward to enjoying the battle with everyone again and seeing who comes out on top and whoever does is a deserving champion as always.”