Ex-MotoGP and BSB champion team owner Paul Bird dies aged 56
Paul Bird, the owner of Paul Bird Motorsport, passed away on Friday after being hospitalized with an illness. He was 56 years old. Bird was known for his success in British Superbike (BSB) racing, with his team winning eight riders’ titles. Notably, Bird’s team achieved their first success in 2002 with Steve Hislop and continued to dominate with riders like Shane Byrne, who won five titles with the team. Under Bird’s management, PBM also entered World Superbike racing with Kawasaki and MotoGP racing with Aprilia. The team achieved success in both series but faced controversy in 2012 when drugs and weapons were found in their race trucks while trying to enter the UK. Despite setbacks, Bird’s team continued to excel in BSB, and currently leads the standings with Tommy Bridewell and Glenn Irwin. It is uncertain what the future holds for the team following Bird’s passing.
Source: Autosport.com
