Glenn Irwin, who won 11 races at the North West 200, has announced his retirement from road racing.
Irwin, 34, says the decision is to focus on winning the British Superbike Championship.
The Northern Ireland rider has finished second and third in the BSB standings in the past two seasons.
Riding for PBM Ducati, he missed out to Tommy Bridewell in 2023 by just 0.5 points and was third behind champion Kyle Ryde and Bridewell this season.
Irwin said he was also taking the decision with his young family in mind.
“In my career I have always rode within my limits. I have never suffered a crash in road racing and I have also been very consistent in short circuits,” he added.
“In 2017 I broke my neck, shoulder and elbow when a handlebar snapped at me at Knockhill. In 2020, I suffered a break failure in Andalucia in Spain in a high speed crash which, although it had a big run-off, led to a number of fractures in my back and several other bones.
“More recently at Brands Hatch, I suffered a blown oil cooler which led to an unavoidable crash for myself and also my brother Andrew, who was following behind.
“All these three crashes would take a miracle to survive in road racing, and I believe I have had chances.
“I am a father of three children and a partner of Laura and we have just bought our dream home.
“The road racer in me knows that we could be successful at the North West 200 for years to come and I also believe that I could remain unbeaten for many years.
“But the dad in me knows I have had a good time of it, I have achieved success that I have never dreamed of achieving.”
Irwin made his debut at the North West 200 in 2015 and has become the most successful rider in the Superbike class in the event’s history.
He claimed a hat-trick of victories at the 2024 event as he made it 11 wins in a row in the Superbike class.
He made his sole appearance at the Isle of Man TT in 2022, where he was the fastest newcomer at the event, and he competed at the Ulster Grand Prix at the start of his career.
You can watch Glenn’s announcement video here: https://www.facebook.com/GIrwinRacing/videos/1958963434567239
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