Glenn does the business
Honda’s Fireblade finally finds its feet at Oulton Park with a podium courtesy of Irwin
Oulton Park hasn’t been kind to the Honda Fireblade recently but that all changed at the weekend as Glenn Irwin found his way onto the podium in the final race. Irwin’s second place came after two fourths earlier in the weekend – and at one stage it looked like the Northern Irishman was going to take victory.
It’s a huge step forward for the Fireblade which tends to struggle around the undulating Cheshire circuit. In fact, this weekend was the first time that the bike has dipped into the 1:33s there, with Irwin also recording his fastest-ever Oulton race lap-time.
“A second will always feel like a second in racing, but this weekend, a second for us feels like a victory,” Irwin told MCN. “Yes, it’s not in the sense of 25 points because we didn’t get that, but in racing it’s about making steps. Everybody says it’s a weak track, but we weren’t that bad earlier in the year and the bike is so different from then. I knew we’d be better, but did I think we could fight with Bridewell etc over 15 laps? No. And I felt stronger in those last two laps too, but I couldn’t make a move stick.”
Irwin is now fourth in the championship, 51 points behind Ray but only 11 behind second-placed
‘Second for us here feels like a victory’ GLENN IRWIN
Bridewell and three behind Lee Jackson with six races to go.
“It’s awesome. It’s good for the championship. We’re fourth now; third and second places are still realistic, and first, well anything happen so I’ll keep believing, working hard and one thing I know is that the team will keep working hard, too.”