BBC Sport NI at the NW200

Image source, Pacemaker

Glenn Irwin has signed a two-year deal to remain with the PBM Ducati team to compete in the 2025 and 2026 British Superbike Championships.

The 34-year-old from Northern Ireland finished second in the BSB series with the team in 2023 and third in the standings the following season.

The Carrickfergus rider, who announced his retirement from road racing last week, is bidding to win the title for the first time.

His team has won a record nine British Superbike titles.

Irwin won eight individual races this season and took a total of 10 podium finishes.

"To re-sign with PBM and to continue onboard the Ducati was an absolute priority, to be honest it didn’t take much negotiation. Everyone is on the same wavelength," said Irwin.

"I think also after my recent announcement with my career, my sole goal is to win the British Superbike Championship. We know that is the goal of the team too.

“To have a two year contract is cool, as in one sense you have security, but what makes it so cool is that we have consistency, something that I will be working hard on myself too."

Irwin called time on his road racing career after winning a record 11 consecutive Superbike races over the Triangle circuit.

Image source, Getty Images

Glenn Irwin says his future in the British Superbike Championship is bright as he chases a maiden title.

The 34-year-old from Carrickfergus will now focus on the series after announcing his retirement from road racing on Sunday.

Irwin was pipped to the title by Tommy Bridedwell in 2023 and finished third in the standings this year.

"The next two years in BSB are as healthy as what they have ever been," said Irwin.

"My goal is to be Northern Ireland's first Superbike champion. When I do I'll have completed everything I want to do in bike racing and then it will be about adding to that."

Irwin raced for the PBM Ducati team in 2024 but has yet to officially announce who he he riding for next year.

"I love PBM - we've had 18 Superbike wins in the last two years, five Superbike win at he North West 200 and all the other success.

"I want to continue - things look pretty good but there's a few things to get over the line. There's always interest from other teams and I'm sure everyone is after a ride with PBM."

Image source, Burrows Engineering RK Racing

Conor Cummins has signed a deal with the Burrows Engineering RK Racing that will see the Manx rider compete for the team at the Isle of Man TT, North West 200 as well as the National Superstock Championship.

The Isle of Man rider replaces Dominic Herbertson in the Northern Ireland-based team.

Cummins, 38, will ride a BMW M 1000 RR in the superbike and superstock classes during the road racing events and will also compete for the team in the supersport class in machinery that has still be confirmed.

The Manxman has achieved 13 podium finishes in his home TT event although he is still waiting for his first career win around the mountain course.

"Having Conor on board is something we’re all massively excited about,” says team principal John Burrows.

"I never thought I’d be having a conversation with him about signing for the team, but I’m delighted it’s now official. It’s a mark of intent for us to sign someone of Conor’s calibre.”

Cummins is the sixth fastest rider around the 37.73-mile mountain course, courtesy of a personal best lap speed of 133.116mph in 2022, when he finished third in the Senior TT, which is his most recent rostrum at the event.

"John and I go back a long way from when I competed against him on the Irish roads and I’ve got a lot of respect for him, both as a rider and a team manager," said Cummins.