EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ‘We’re only going to get better’ Glenn Irwin
Can go one better in 2024 after missing out on his BSB dream by an agonising half a point last season?
Last year, Glenn Irwin played a huge part in one of the most thrilling BSB title races in recent memory, dramatically losing out on the title by half-a-point. He lost to teammate Tommy Bridewell, but Irwin enters 2024 as the sole rider at the newly named Hager PBM Ducati squad, run by Jordan and Frank Bird following the death of team owner Paul Bird, Jordan and Frank’s father.
The team is built around Irwin, and continuity could be key. MCN spoke to the 2023 runner-up ahead of the new campaign.
How do you reflect on 2023?
“It was an amazing season, one full of success for me. For the spectators it was one of the best seasons ever – it had two teammates going at it in rivalry that we haven’t really seen since perhaps Shakey vs Brookes. To be a big part of that was great.
“We came up short, but it doesn’t go into my thought process. Maybe I should feel more disappointed, but I’m at one with myself and assured of what we can achieve. We gained lots of confidence last season, that’s what counts.”
What’s the biggest thing you learnt about yourself?
“I worked really hard all season. I had a different approach to racing. Not so much a different mind – it was still me – but a much more controlled version of myself.
“In a season that got hot and heavy, I managed to control my thoughts and emotions, and remain concentrated on the track. Before, that wasn’t something I’d been able to do, even when then were fewer curveballs being chucked at us.
“There was a lot that went on, but I was cool. That pleases me because people see the difference, which is
April 17 2024
nice. I’m in a different head space to one that I’ve ever been in. I have that in my locker now.”
Was it a risk to remain loyal to PBM during the winter?
“The risk of putting my eggs in that basket varied from month to month. How easy was it to commit? I love the team, I had my first pole, podium and win with PBM, as well as my first North West 200 victory.
“I’m not obsessed with bikes, I’m obsessed with winning – and PBM is all about winning. And if you find yourself at that level, where you feel you can win, you want to submerge yourself in that.
“I just had a feeling that there was no way it was going to end. This is PBM. Jordan and Frank remind me a lot of Paul with their characters, and I just can’t see it ever stopping while they want to do it. I see that winning mentality in them.”
How do you view the project being built around you?
“I don’t think there are advantages or disadvantages. Having no teammate doesn’t change anything, especially because we have a bank of data from 2023.
“For me, when you arrive in a position where you’re ready to win and you know you can win because you’ve backed it up, you want that expectation from your team.
“When you haven’t statistically shown what you can really do and then the team commit to you as that one person, then you’d be lying if you said you didn’t feel pressure because you’ve never done what they want you to do.
“But last year we did everything expected to show that I can become a champion and, most importantly, I feel like I can become a champion.”
Where can you improve?
“From a riding point of view, Eugene Laverty pointed something out to me last season and I adapted that into my riding style, which improved corner entry and edge grip. I need to continue that and to be open-minded to new parts.
The bike is strong. We’ve lost a little RPM, but I don’t see that changing anything. If I can look to improve elsewhere, it’s to use the continuity and experience of the bike, adapt to the new regulations quickly and start the season how we finished it last year. We can’t give our rivals any advantage early on.”
That continuity puts you as the title favourite. Is that how you see it?
“Racing never, ever continues with how a season finishes off. If we look at Brands Hatch, you’re thinking I’ll be there, Tommy depending on the Honda, plus the Yamaha riders – but it never works like that.
“I feel we will be incredibly strong everywhere, but I would never be complacent enough to call myself the favourite because you don’t know what somebody has gone away and done over winter.
“If there were fewer regulation changes and less rider movement, you could maybe go in line with last year. But I think the way to answer that is, I expect to be like I was last year, but a stronger version.”
It’d be PBM’s 10th title…
“I like milestones. I’ve made it no secret that my dream is to win this championship and then retain it. That’s the type of character I am. When I get something, I don’t let go of it. Why not do the job this year and them come back and get PBM’s 11th title in 2025?”
Is your passion and love for motorcycle racing growing every year?
“Absolutely. I feel I’m getting younger! There there were some tough times in the past for me, and life still isn’t always plain sailing. You always have to work at things.
“I think – with my mindset and what I do know – I feel a lot lighter as a person than I did for many years. The career that I selfdestructed and held back – now I don’t feel like I do that. Or if I’m experiencing some difficult moments, I know how to get out of them a little bit quicker, in terms of where I’m at mentally.
“I absolutely love this sport. I feel like I love it more now than when I was six and racing for the first time. I really mean that. It’s something I often talk about; kids getting burntout by their parents being so pushy. We were given every opportunity when we were younger and there was a lot of effort from my dad, but there was never any telling-off for not winning or anything.
“In my eyes, it was the best type of upbringing you could ever have
‘I expect to be like last year, but stronger’
to go and become a professional motorbike racer because my hunger… it’s about having the hunger and drive now, not when you’re 15. Now is when you make money and make your career.
“My passion is riding at the top and it keeps growing. It pleases me that it keeps growing. I don’t see it ever waning. I love spending time with Jeremy McWilliams – he’s coming up to 60, but he absolutely loves the sport and his hunger to win is still what it always was.
“That’s exactly how I feel. It lights my eyes up; I talk about it and smile. I don’t believe I’m anywhere near my peak just yet. We’re only going to get better.”
‘I’m not obsessed with motorbikes. I’m obsessed with winning’