Irwin holds off Ryde & Ray

GLENN IRWIN opened his 2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship account with a lightsto-flag win at Silverstone yesterday.

The Northern Irishman managed to fend off hard charges from Rich Energy OMG riders Kyle Ryde and Brad Ray to take the first win of the new season.

After taking pole with the fastest-ever lap of the Silverstone National circuit, Honda’s Irwin hit the front and led for the whole race.

“I’m so pleased with that. After qualifying, I was quietly confident,” said the 32-year-old.

Irwin took the win by a mere 0.139secs over Ryde, who had a race-long battle with team-mate Ray.