Glenn Irwin admits he thought his season was over after a painful crash at Brands Hatch.

But the star rider of Cumbrian superbikes team Hager PBM Ducati fought through the pain barrier to force his way back up the field.

Championship leader Irwin was involved in a first-corner crash (watch below) in the first race of the final day at the famous Kent track.

He was stretchered away and received medical treatment but was then passed fit to continue.

“My confidence was high but, unfortunately, another rider’s mistake caused a crash, and I genuinely thought my season may have been over,” said the Carrickfergus star.

“Full credit to the BSB medics and my own physio, they got me ready for the race and I showed the fight and resilience in me.

“I had some right arm fatigue, which I guess was my body overcompensating for the neck pain, but we didn’t lose too many points and are closer to the championship lead than we were this time last year.

“We’ll regroup and come out fighting at the next round.”

After the crash, Irwin was cleared to compete in the final race and impressed as he moved from 23rd on the grid to a seventh-placed finish.

The crash cost him the lead in the overall championship standings, with former team-mate Tommy Bridewell now heading the field.

But Langwathby team PBM's co-owner Frank Bird said Irwin showed great character to remain in close touch.

“All things considered, the weekend has ended on a positive note, and I don’t think there are many riders who could come through from the back of the grid to seventh so full credit to Glenn,” he said.

“That ride showed just how much grit and determination he has.

“Full credit to the team as well for getting the bike ready.

“It’s been a bit of damage limitation but we haven’t lost too much ground in the standings and whilst the next round is at Thruxton, a circuit that hasn’t been the kindest to us over the last few years, we’ll work hard between now and then, keep developing the bike and look to get back onto the podium.”

Irwin had finished fourth in the weekend’s first race. He is on 198 points in the championship standings, with leader Bridewell on 217.