The Bennetts British Superbike Championship community came together on the grid at Oulton Park today to pay tribute to Paul Bird, the figurehead of PBM, the series’ most successful team, who sadly passed away earlier this month following a short illness.
Paul’s contribution to the sport and his determination to lead his PBM team to unprecedented levels of success within BSB for over two decades were remembered with a tribute from former BSB lead commentator Fred Clarke, as his family, friends and colleagues observed a minute of silence followed by a round of applause.
The BeerMonster Ducati team continue their bid for a ninth title this weekend, and some of the team’s previous championship-winning machines featured in the grid tribute this afternoon, and will remain in the pit lane throughout the weekend.
On Sunday, the eBay pit walk period has been extended to 10.00 – 11.15, giving fans the opportunity to visit the tribute display adjacent to the BeerMonster Ducati pit box including; the Vimto 250cc Honda (John McGuiness), MonsterMob Ducati (Steve Hislop), Stobart Honda (Tom Sykes), Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki (Shane Byrne) and a Be Wiser Ducati (Shane Byrne).
At 11.00 am on Sunday, in the PBM machine display area in the pit lane, MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer will make a personal tribute.