Cumbrian team's star rider makes Superbike history

Cumbrian team owner Jordan Bird has hailed Glenn Irwin after the rider made Superbike history.

The star’s hat-trick of victories at the International North West 2000 in Northern Ireland saw him become the most successful Superbike rider in the history of the event.

Irwin’s treble on the circuit linking Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush took him to 11 wins – surpassing the previous record of nine which was shared by the late Joey Dunlop and Michael Rutter.

Bird, joint owner of Langwathby-based Cumbrian team Hager PBM Ducati, said: “Six wins in six days at both Oulton Park in BSB and then here at the NW200 has been a dream. We’re just having a great time and Glenn is on fire at the minute.

“It’s pretty special for my brother Frank and I and our wonderful team so it’s a massive thank you to them and of course Glenn and our sponsors for making it happen.

“It’s now back to the day job of BSB so we will regroup and then head for Donington Park to try to keep this winning streak going.”

Glenn Irwin was in superb form in the Northern Ireland races (Image: DoubleRed)

Irwin was on superb form in the qualifying sessions, claiming pole for the first race with a fastest lap of 125.928 mph.

The Carrickfergus rider then kept Davey Todd at bay to claim victory with a 2.545s margin, also claiming the lap record with 125.779mph.

Irwin then won the second race, again finishing ahead of Todd, while the feature Superbike race saw Irwin get the better of Todd and Dean Harrison.

Irwin claimed a record previously held by the great Joey Dunlop (Image: PA)

Irwin said: “To take a hat-trick and become the most successful Superbike rider in the history of the North West 200 feels really, really special.

“It means so much to me to win here as it’s my favourite event in the world and although it feels wrong to take a record from Joey Dunlop, I'm incredibly proud to do it.

“I feel on top of my game and love the team, every single one of them so with the hat-trick here and at Oulton Park last weekend, it’s my best week in racing.”