The son and daughter of the late Cumbrian motorsport icon Paul Bird have pledged to keep their father’s memory alive.

Frank Bird junior and Jordan Bird made the comments as it was announced that the Paul Bird Motorsport team would be back on the British Superbikes grid this season.

Paul Bird died last September aged 56 prompting tributes from across the motorsport world.

Frank and Jordan are now team owners and, after confirming that Glenn Irwin will be returning to the team in the forthcoming championship, spoke of their wish to celebrate their dad’s legacy at the hugely successful Langwathby-based business.

“We are delighted to confirm that the PBM team will be back on the grid this season,” said twins Frank and Jordan.

“It has obviously been a real emotional rollercoaster for us, and we are so proud of what the whole team achieved last year, ending the season on a high with a one-two in the standings.

“The PBM team remain fully committed to the championship and after a lot of uncertainty over the last few months we are delighted that Glenn returns as we begin the next chapter for PBM.

“He has a long-standing history with the team – from making his Superbike debut, to a first podium and his first race win in the championship

“We hope that together we can add a Championship title to that this season!

“We want to take this opportunity to thank our partners and fans for their continued support and we are now looking forward to the future of PBM and keeping dad’s memory alive.”

Irwin will be looking to go one better for nine-time champions PBM after finishing runner-up for the last two seasons.

The Ulsterman won ten races last season and will be the sold rider aboard the Ducati V4R in the latest Bennetts BSB season.

The season gets underway at Navarra in Spain with two races over the weekend of April 20/21.
 
Irwin said: “For the people reading this it must be a relief as I have been inundated with messages from fans asking me about what I am doing this season, which has been really nice, and I am so grateful for their support.

“It might sound like a cliché, but there was never really anywhere else I wanted to be.

“Despite interest from elsewhere when there was some uncertainty, my heart and attention was always to remain with PBM.”