Glenn Irwin: No pressure for Macau Grand Prix debut

The Ulster rider couldn’t have been more impressive at the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix in 2015 as he finished on the rostrum at both international meetings in the Supersport class on the Gearlink Kawasaki.

However, Irwin – who sat out both events this year to focus on the MCE British Superbike Championship – says his bow at Macau in the autumn will be a one-off.

“I’ve known about Macau all along because it was there from the start when I signed for PBM. I’m looking forward to it because it’s a new challenge for me – a bit like when I went to the Ulster Grand Prix and North West. I’m not going there under pressure but I’m a racer and of course I want to try and do a good job,” he said.

“At the moment, I think I’m the only one going for PBM; all the other top riders like Michael Rutter and Stuart Easton are sorted with machinery.”

Irwin has no intention of returning to road racing in the immediate future but says he is proud of what he achieved at the North West and Ulster Grand Prix.

“Honestly, racing on the roads next year isn’t even a remote possibility – not a mission. I want to focus on British Superbikes and that’s it.

“I’m racing with such a great team and I’m lucky I’ve got what I’ve got with PBM, but don’t get me wrong – I’m super glad I raced at the Ulster Grand Prix and North West 200 and I’d recommend anyone to do it if the situation is right for them at the time.

“Of course I’ve missed not doing it, but that’s the way it is.”