British Supersbikes Championship: Glenn Irwin powers back to the top of standings with Snetterton double

Glenn Irwin returned to the top of the British Superbikes Championship standings thanks to a Sunday double at Snetterton.

The PBM Ducati rider from Carrickfergus opened up a four-point lead over reigning champion Tommy Bridewell with his fifth and sixth wins of the season.

Irwin had lost his lead in the championship after a frustrating weekend at Knockhill last month but took 47 of the 54 points available in Norwich to also secure the Quattro Group Race of Aces trophy.

After finishing fifth in Saturday’s shortened race won by Stacey Storm, Irwin got back to winning ways in Sunday’s opener.

Topping the podium for the first time since race two at Donnington back in May, Irwin finished 1.487 seconds ahead of Bridewell in a race that was restarted and completed over five laps due to rain.

He would start the third and final race of the weekend in pole position but drop to fourth by the end of the first lap.

Chasing leader Christian Iddon, Irwin would make his move going into turn four on lap seven and held position all the way to the finish despite a fantastic chase by Bridewell.

Showing plenty of racing nous, Irwin held off the challenge to eventually cross the line just 0.125 seconds ahead of his great rival.

The season continues at Brands Hatch in two weeks’ time.