Hawk Racing has announced that reigning British SuperSport champion Rhys Irwin and fellow Irish talent Eugene McManus will lead the team’s charge in the 2026 Bennetts British Superbike championship.

The duo will compete for the Mallory Park-based team backed by title sponsor MasterMac, with high hopes of making an early impact in the championship after their impressive performances in the premier support series.

Irwin, who is 23 and from Donegal, was crowned Quattro Group British SuperSport champion in October after coming out on top in a season-long battle with three former champions.

Speaking about signing for Hawk, Irwin said:

“I couldn’t be more excited to be stepping up into Bennetts BSB with a team that has a history of supporting some of the best young riders in superbike racing.

“Winning the championship last season was a dream come true for me and securing this ride is another one.

“I’m so happy to be making my debut in Bennetts BSB and really looking forward to what the team and I can achieve together.”

Alongside him in the paddock will be 26-year-old McManus, who hails from Belfast. He has been a regular contender in British SuperSport over several seasons, collecting a number of podium finishes and placing sixth overall in 2025, as well as making a number of appearances at World SuperSport level.

He said:

“This is a huge move for me and I can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve delivered consistently well over the years and have a lot of faith in my own ability, so it’s great to have the vote of confidence from Hawk Racing that I have what it takes to succeed on a superbike.

“We’ll take things one step at a time but I’m aiming to adapt quickly and achieve some strong results in my first season.”

The team will also compete again in the Pirelli National Superstock series, with Kent rider Dan Brooks returning for a second full season with the team.

Brooks said:

“I’m really pleased to be continuing with Hawk after making good progress and consistently scoring points in 2025. It’s a brilliant team to be a part of and I’m determined to get us higher up the championship standings next year.”

Hawk Racing has long established itself as a springboard for young talent, with past riders including current Bennetts BSB champion Kyle Ryde and 2022 champion Brad Ray.

Team manager Steve Hicken said:

“I’m delighted with our 2026 line up and I’ve no doubt both Rhys and Eugene have the talent and determination to adjust to their new environment and succeed in Bennetts BSB.

“Rhys is on a high off the back of a brilliant championship winning campaign, while Eugene has regularly shown he can compete with the best SuperSport riders.

“It’s always important to be patient with riders as they progress into a new category but we’ll give them the best support we can and, along with Dan in the Superstock series, hope to deliver some great things together.”

Roger James, Managing Director of the team’s title sponsors MasterMac Surfacing, added:

“It’s a real coup for the team to have brought Rhys and Eugene on board, and I know a lot of fans will be getting right behind them to make an impact in the championship.

“We’re proud that a team with such an impressive history of bringing through young riders continues to carry the MasterMac name, and can’t wait to be trackside to see how they all get on next year.”

The 2026 Bennetts BSB season begins at Oulton Park in May.

‍