Penrith-born rally driver Frank Bird’s hopes of a dream start to the Motorsport News Circuit Rally Championship with MSVR were dealt a cruel blow when he was forced to retire from the Neil Howard Memorial Stages Rally in association with Graham Coffey Solicitors held at Oulton Park today whilst leading.
For four stages, the 20-year-old Cumbrian, along with Hexham co-driver Jack Morton in the Dom Buckley Motorsport/IRS-prepared Ford Focus WRC07, with backing from Frank Bird Poultry and PBM, were showing the opposition a clean pair of heels, leading the event by ten seconds after setting fastest time on two of the opening four stages.
But on the fifth stage came disaster when they suffered a turbo problem and although they limped to the end of the stage, it was game over meaning a frustrating end to the opening round of the series.
Despite his disappointment, Bird took consolation of leading some of the country’s best drivers until his unfortunate retirement and although he will miss the next round at Cadwell Park, he plans on returning for round three and the Cobble Shop Knockhill Stages Rally on December 8th.
Frank Bird: “It was a disappointing finish to the day, but we showed really good pace beating some of the top guys and leading the rally at the halfway point. I felt comfortable but then we suffered a problem with the car on SS5 which led to retirement. These things happen and although it’s frustrating, we move on but thanks as ever to Jack who was on top form, all the Buckley boys, dad and all our sponsors.”
For further information, please visit the team website: www.pbmuk.net
Pictures attached copyright free, courtesy of James Ward (www.chicanemedia.co.uk).
Notes to Editors:
Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) are winners of over 200 races in British Superbike Championship, MotoGP CRT, World Superbike Championship, 125cc, 250cc, Supersport British Championships, Superstock National Championships, Isle of Man TT, North West 200, Daytona, Macau GP, and British domestic races. Points scorers in 125cc, 250cc and 500cc GPs. Points scorers in World Supersport, podium finishers in WSB, Superpole winners in World Superbike. They are based at Langwathby near Penrith in Cumbria.
ENDS
