It was an emotional day for Paul Bird’s British Superbikes team at Oulton Park.
It was the first BSB meeting since Mr Bird died aged 56.
The BSB paddock community gathered to pay their respects to Mr Bird with a tribute on the grid which included the PBM team, friends, and family members as well as several significant machines from the long and successful history of the Eden-based team over the past 30 years.
The bikes will remain on display during the pit walk at Oulton Park tomorrow morning.
PBM rider Glenn Irwin secured the victory in the race, which the team said was like a fairy tale.
Irwin was locked in battle with teammate Tommy Bridewell for the entire 12 laps around the Cheshire track, but it was the Ulsterman who came out on top when Bridewell ran on at the chicane on the final lap. It was Glenn’s seventh win of the season.
Irwin said: “It’s so nice to lead the race from start to finish, or at least most of it and the plan worked.
“The bike is so good this weekend, especially on the brakes, and I made the perfect start, managing the race from there on in.
“Tommy’s so strong around here at Oulton so to force him into a mistake on the final lap and come out on top shows how strong I rode, but I’m humble about the victory as we get on so well and it’s tough fighting your teammate for the title.
“At the same time, we’re professional riders who want the same thing so you must take whatever advantage you can get. We still have two more races to go but I’m feeling confident and that one’s for the Birdman.”
PBM is Britain’s most successful motorcycling team.
Mr Bird’s funeral will be held on Friday, September 22.
