Sunflower Trophy race sponsor Jim Finlay pictured with David Haire and Glenn Irwin at the launch of the Sunflower Trophy races, 

which will take place at Bishopscourt on October 21-22.

MCE British Superbike rider Christian Iddon will make his debut at the JAS Finlay Sunflower Trophy meeting at Bishopscourt on the Tyco BMW (October 21-22). 

The Stockport man joins a quality entry for Irish short circuit racing’s blue riband event at the Co Down venue, when he will go up against fellow BSB rider and PBM Be Wiser Ducati star Glenn Irwin, plus reigning Sunflower champion Danny Buchan (MSS Kawasaki), who is bidding for a hat-trick of wins. 

Iddon is currently 10th in the British Superbike standings ahead of the final round at Brands Hatch this weekend. He began the season promisingly with a run of four successive podiums at Silverstone and Oulton Park but was unable to maintain his momentum. 

The 31-year-old and team-mate Michael Laverty failed to make it into the all-important Showdown during a disappointing campaign for the Northern Ireland team. 

Iddon, though, will be aiming to wrap up the season with a victory in what promises to be an enthralling battle for the prestigious silverware this month. 

“I’ve always wanted to race at the Sunflower, so I’m looking forward to riding my Tyco BMW there,” Iddon said. “There are some good riders signed up with Irwin and Buchan on the entry, but if we get plenty of dry track time during practice and qualifying I don’t see why we can’t challenge for the Superbike wins. The Irish fans are always very welcoming, so it’ll be a nice way to end the season.” 

The British championship stars will go up against a raft of Irish Superbike regulars including recently-crowned champion Nikki Coates and Masters Superbike title winner Robert English. 

In the Supersport class, British championship frontrunner Andrew Irwin will lead the charge for Gearlink Kawasaki, with Lisburn’s Carl Phillips being granted the chance to ride the team’s second 600cc machine at Bishopscourt. 

Phillips has been in excellent form this season in the National Superstock 600 Championship on the Sandown Kawasaki and will be eager to make the most of the opportunity.