‘If I don’t turn it around soon’ Showdown chances are gone - Irwin

Andrew Irwin’s first season aboard a BMW in BSB has been far from what was expected as he sits 62 points back on the final showdown position. 

That position is currently held by FS-3 Kawasaki rider Lee Jackson through the opening three rounds. 

Irwin has just 11 points to his name so far - a huge contrast to team-mate Danny Buchan who is on 130 points - his first season with BMW and the SYNETIQ squad too. 

The disappointing start to 2021 is all the more surprising given 2020 was Irwin’s best year in the series as he claimed three wins with Honda. 

All this has left Irwin 18th in the championship and in need of turning his season around quickly if he’s to challenge for a showdown position. 

“We are 62 points away from the Showdown now and if I don’t start to turn it around soon, then it will be difficult to make. I feel we are starting to go the right way ahead of the weekend," added the Northern Irishman. 

Irwin’s first opportunity to improve his form comes at Thurxton this weekend, a circuit he’s had previous success at, and one where being ‘consistent over race distance’ will be crucial. 

Irwin said: “I think Thruxton won’t be down to who is fastest, it is who is the most consistent and fastest over race distance to be in the position to win the race. 

"It is usually a race of two halves – you get people there at the front for the first ten laps, but they might not necessarily be there in the last ten laps.

"You have to use your head and improve throughout free practice to make sure you have the base for race distance.  

“You see people who can do one lap on a Friday and definitely, at Thruxton you have to be consistent."