Motorcycling
Motorcycling is in mourning after Paul Bird handed away aged 56 following a brief sickness
THE shock passing of famend workforce proprietor Paul Bird at 56 yesterday has plunged motorcycling into mourning.
The Cumbrian rooster farmer ran the massively profitable Paul Bird Motorsport outfit, probably the most profitable workforce within the British Superbike Championship with eight titles.
A press release issued by the workforce yesterday night stated Bird had died following a brief sickness.
It learn: “The Bennetts British Superbike Championship is deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Paul Bird, the Team Owner of Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM), the Series’ most successful team.
“Paul died earlier today at the age of 56 following a short time in hospital with illness.”
The PBM BeerMonster Ducati workforce has been dominant within the British Superbike Championship this season, with Carrickfergus man Glenn Irwin second within the desk behind team-mate Tommy Bridewell after 9 rounds.
Bird was additionally closely concerned in highway racing and sponsored John McGuinness when the English rider claimed his maiden victory on the Isle of Man TT in 1999.
A 12 months later, Joey Dunlop rode for Bird’s Vimto Honda workforce on the TT, the place the legendary Ballymoney highway racer gained the Formula One race.
Michael Dunlop additionally rode for PBM in 2011, whereas Alastair Seeley joined the workforce for the 2020 North West 200. In May, Irwin gained each Superbike races on the PBM Ducati on the North West.
Yesterday, the NW200 paid tribute to Bird, saying: “Paul has been a long-time supporter of our event and will be a huge loss to motorcycling paddocks across the world.”
Meanwhile, Kirkistown in Co Down hosts the sixth spherical of the Ulster Superbike Championship right this moment.
Jason Lynn leads the Superbike and Supersport standings from Korie McGreevy and can look to increase his benefit as he seeks a primary Superbike title.
Qualifying is scheduled to start from 9am.
