BRITISH SUPERBIKES: Glenn Irwin aiming to take another step forward at Knockhill

Irwin has scored points in every race so far this season with the exception of race two at Brands Hatch, when a technical problem with the Panigale R ruled him out.

The Carrickfergus man won a race and finished on the podium at Knockhill last year in the British Supersport Championship and Irwin hopes he can take another step forward in the fourth round of the championship, which resumes after a long break since Brands hosted the last round over a month ago.

“The team have worked hard again at our recent test at Snetterton. We found yet another direction to go in with the bike that will give us another option at Knockhill other than the set-up we during testing there,” Irwin said.

“I enjoy the circuit and it’s as close to home as I can get. I’ve worked hard in between times and it’s been a long time since the last race so I can’t wait to get going again.”

The 26-year-old is currently 14th in the championship standings, with fellow Carrick rider Alastair Seeley occupying 16th place for Lee Hardy’s RAF Reserves BMW team behind Dubliner Jack Kennedy (WD40 Kawasaki).

Tyco BMW’s Michael Laverty holds fifth position for the Northern Ireland team with 66 points, with Leon Haslam leading the way for the JG Speedfit Kawasaki team on 93 points, only three points ahead of Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne (PBM Ducati).

Christian Iddon remains firmly in the mix in third for Tyco BMW with 86 points after an impressive start to the season for the English rider.

Meanwhile, Jordanstown’s Andy Reid will be hoping to increase his advantage at the top of the Dickies British Supersport Championship.

The Quattro Plant Cool Milk Kawasaki rider has won twice this season at Silverstone and Oulton Park and holds a lead of six points over James Westmoreland.

The Sprint race takes place on Saturday afternoon at Knockhill and Reid is fired up for the challenge on the ZX-6R.

“I’m absolutely champing at the bit to get going. I’ve never been so excited about getting back to racing after what feels like an age,” said Reid.

“I’ve prepared correctly, watching all the videos and working things out, and having missed Knockhill last year [through injury] I’m really looking forward to it this time around.

“This time last year someone would have been having a word in my ear, as I wouldn’t have settled for fourth placed finishes as I did at Brands Hatch.

“I’ve learned that on certain days you have to settle for points instead of always trying to be king of the world and that new mindset has helped me keep the Quattro Plant Cool Kawasaki team at the top of the table.”