The world of motorsport is in mourning as it bids farewell to Paul Bird, the owner of PBM Ducati. He was a towering figure in British racing, who passed away after a brief illness.

Beyond the racetracks, Bird’s journey from a Cumbrian chicken farmer to a motorsport magnate is a story of passion, perseverance, and success. His impact on two and four-wheel racing, from MotoGP to British Superbikes, is immeasurable. This article pays tribute to the man behind Paul Bird Motorsport and explores his remarkable career.

From Sponsoring to Championships

In the late hours of September the first, the world mourned the passing away of Motorcycling legend, Paul Bird. PBM Ducati, his team, announced his passing away on Twitter, remembering the legacy he has left behind. The man has achieved a lot during his career, and has supported a lot of drivers through his life. Let’s take a moment to remember his career.

In the 1990s, the former world championship motocross racer, Paul Bird, began sponsoring local racers. Despite racing in motocross, and being a successful rally driver, this act of sponsoring laid the foundation for something much bigger. This ambition would finally come to fruition in 1996, when he signed John McGuinness and began his team, Paul Bird Motorsports.

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One of his earliest successes came in 1999. He continued his partnership with future legend John McGuinness to win the 250cc British title. This partnership would endure for two decades. Bird’s team, Paul Bird Motorsport, achieved triumphs at prestigious events like the North West 200, Macau Grand Prix, and Daytona 200. Notably, he guided the legendary Joey Dunlop to his final Superbike TT victory in 2000.

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Expanding into British Superbikes in 2000, Bird’s team became a powerhouse. A roster of exceptional riders including James Toseland, Sean Emmett, Michael Laverty, Jeremy McWilliams, and Michael Rutter all raced for him. The team eventually clinched eight BSB titles, thanks to the talents of Shane Byrne, Scott Redding, Josh Brookes, and the iconic Steve Hislop.

Recently, at the Cadwell Park round of the championship, Bird’s current riders, Tommy Bridewell and Glenn Irwin, secured the top two spots in the standings. The legacy he has left behind, is still going strong.

MotoGP and Beyond

Bird’s ambition transcended national borders. He ventured into World Superbikes, leading Kawasaki’s factory effort to victory with Tom Sykes. In 2012, Bird entered the MotoGP arena with a CRT-spec Aprilia project. This endeavor marked the beginning of Aprilia’s journey from CRT to full factory status and championship contention.

Beyond his achievements, Paul Bird was definitely a polarizing figure. He was known for his outspoken nature and occasional controversies. Notably his bans from national rallying due to recreational drug use is extremely infamous. However, those who knew him personally saw a different side. He was naturally known as an affable and generous individual. This was also evidenced by the close friendships he maintained with many of his former riders.

Paul Bird leaves behind a legacy that few in motorsport can rival. His passing is a significant loss to the racing world. As we reflect on his life and career, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and team. His remarkable journey, from a Cumbrian chicken farmer to a motorsport titan, serves as an inspiration to all who dream of achieving greatness in the world of racing.

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