Gutted Irwin out of action with a virus
GLENN Irwin, who — discounting his North West 200 displays — has been having a tough time since switching to the JG Speedfit Quattro Plant Kawasaki team, has been ruled out of this weekend’s British Superbike Championship action at Snetterton with a virus that has been causing partial vision.
“I’m absolutely gutted to make the call and I hope to be back as soon as possible,” he said.
His place has been taken by Hector Barbera, who deputised for the injured Ben Currie earlier in the season.
Glenn’s brother Andrew, the youngest of the Irwin racing family from Carrickfergus, heads into practice for the sixth round with his sights on making his way up the Championship standings. He is currently ninth, but wants to home in on the top six.
The Honda Racing rider said: “Historically the Honda has always gone well at the Norfolk Circuit, so it will be interesting to see how we get on. My aim is still to make it into the Showdown, so I’ll keep working hard and push.”
Andrew is 26 points behind his Honda team-mate Xavi Fores, who is in that sixth position.
Michael Laverty, meanwhile, is taking the Tyco BMW ride of Keith Farmer, who is recovering from the leg injuries sustained at Knockhill during the last round.
Team manager Philip Neill said: “We wish Keith a speedy recovery from his injuries. Michael is a previous BSB winner at Snetterton, as well as being a podium finisher with Tyco BMW, so we believe he is the correct choice.”
Laverty said: “I’m looking forward to getting back on the BSB
No go: Glenn Irwin has pulled out of Snetterton commitments
grid at Snetterton, especially with the Tyco BMW team. They are like family to me and we have such a history together.”
The battle between champion Jack Kennedy and previous king Alastair Seeley has been enthralling, four points separating the pair at the top.
Team #109 Kawasaki rider Eunan McGlinchey, Aaron Clifford, Korie McGreevy and New Zealander Shayne Richardson will
be chasing maximum points in the Superstock 600cc class, with 15 points separating the quartet at the top of the Championship.
Elsewhere, 11 points separate Kawasaki-mounted brothers Jason and John Meara in the feature MX1 class as the fifth round of the Irish MX Championship arrives at Desertmartin on Saturday with champion Richard Bird (KTM) a further three points back. Racing starts from 11am. JASON Roy is set to make his Test debut after being named in England’s squad for their match against Ireland at Lord’s.
The Surrey opener (below) and limited overs specialist was a star of the recent World Cup triumph and is to be given the platform to prove he can also deliver in Test cricket.
England’s one-day international vice captain Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes — the hero of Sunday’s victory over New Zealand — are rested ahead of the Ashes series which begins on August 1.
In a blow to hopes of toppling Australia, Mark Wood has been ruled out for four to six weeks with the left side strain sustained in the World Cup final.
Jofra Archer is also missing because of a side strain and will be given a period of rest before being considered for Ashes selection. An ECB statement read: “Archer will have a period of rest before being considered for selection during the Specsavers