【2022 Season Review】Irwin wins five races, finishes second overall, a personal best

Three wins for Irwin in Round 1

The season opener was held on April 16-17 at the Silverstone Circuit, a venue also known for hosting MotoGP and F1 grands prix. Honda Racing UK started the season with the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP in white livery celebrating the CBR series’ 30th anniversary. Irwin took pole in Qualifying, and in Race 1, narrowly held on to the lead to win. In Race 2, he worked his way up from the second row and was in second position with ten laps to go. He kept the pressure on race leader Bradley Ray (Yamaha), took the lead when Ray crashed with two laps to go, and went on to win. In Race 3, Irwin started fifth but took the lead four laps in, and held on for the win. Irwin was off to a great start, dominating an event for the first time in his career.

Getting into The Showdown

Irwin struggled in Round 2 at Oulton Park, with a best finish of seventh in Race 3. He lost the lead to Ray, who had won two races in the event. He continued to struggle, dropping down to sixth overall, but was back on the podium with a third place in Race 3 of Round 5 at Brands Hatch. From rounds 6 to 8, he consistently finished within the top six in five out of nine races, moving up to fourth in the ranking. This earned him the right to enter "The Showdown," where the top eight contenders compete for the title in the final three events.

In the first round of The Showdown, Round 9 at Oulton Park, Irwin finished fourth in the first two races. In Race 3, he fought for the lead early on and finished second, just 0.089 seconds behind the winner. In Round 10, Donington Park, he finished fifth in Race 1 and third in Race 2. In Race 3, a footpeg broke in the final laps, and he lost footing but was still able to secure third place, on the podium. After putting up a good fight, Irwin moved up to second place on the leaders board, with the final round remaining.

In the final round at Brands Hatch, Irwin started Race 1 from pole, and went on to win. After finishing third in Race 2, he won Race 3 by 0.6 seconds over his brother Andrew Irwin (BMW), making it a 1-2 finish for the brothers. Irwin finished the season in the best possible way, a career-best second place.

Mizuno, Takahashi in their second season

Mizuno, in his second year in BSB as part of the Honda Superbike Challenge Program,  steadily developed his knowledge of the tracks, finishing within the points in all Round 3 and Round 6 races. He finished 23rd in the championship standings.

After overcoming a tough 2021 due to injury, Takahashi entered his second BSB season in perfect shape. He focused on bike development using his vast experience and knowledge. Takahashi finished 20th in the rankings with 28 points, bettering his 2021 results by ranking 20th overall with 28 points, including an 11th place in Race 1, Round 8 and points in six consecutive race in the closing stages.

Tom Neave finished his debut year in the class in 19th place, scoring 35 championship points from 14 races.

Race Report

Rd.01 Silverstone：Hat-trick for Honda Racing UK at Silverstone

Rd.02 Oulton Park：Progress made at Oulton Park for Honda Racing UK

Rd.03 Donington Park：Donington Park delivers highs and lows for Honda Racing UK

Rd.04 Knockhill：A solid weekend at Knockhill for Honda Racing UK

Rd.05 Brands Hatch：Honda Racing UK back on the Brands Hatch podium

Rd.06 Thruxton：Thruxton points haul for Honda Racing UK

Rd.07 Cadwell Park：Showdown hopes still strong despite challenges at Cadwell Park

Rd.08 Snetterton 300：Glenn Irwin secures 2022 Showdown spot

Rd.09 Oulton Park：A sensational second place for Glenn Irwin at Oulton Park

Rd.10 Donington Park GP：Double podium delight for Glenn Irwin at Donington Park

Rd.11 Brands Hatch GP：Glenn Irwin and Honda Racing UK finish the BSB season in style with victory at Brands Hatch