November 28, 2022

Battling Bird Claims Second Place On Winter Stages Rally

Rallying made a welcome return to Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire today where a huge crowd witnessed a superb battle for the victory in the Swift Signs and Shirts Winter Stages Rally but for Cumbrian driver Frank Bird, he just missed out on retaining his title.

In their Dom Buckley Motorsport-prepared and Frank Bird Poultry-backed Ford Fiesta Rally 2 with assistance from Hager, Dragon Energy and Mac Tools, Penrith-born Frank and County Durham co-driver Jack Morton ended the eight stages just nine seconds adrift of winners David and Katie Henderson in a similar car.
 
With mild temperatures but a wet track because of overnight rain, Frank was three seconds down on Henderson on the opening stage but clawed a second back on SS2 and then a further two seconds on the following test meaning they could not be separated after SS3. With the track continuing to dry, Frank dropped four seconds on SS4 going into the lunch halt.

The gap increased to five seconds after SS5, but Bird gallantly set fastest time by a second on SS6 but as darkness fell, Henderson stretched his lead on the final two stages to win by nine seconds with Frank and Jack having to settle for runner-up spot.
 
Frank Bird: “We didn’t come to finish second but that’s the best we could manage today and well done to David and Katie on their win. I was disappointed not to be able to defend my title, but we struggled a bit in the changeable conditions as the grip levels varied. It was tricky at times, but it was great to see rallying back at Croft and to see the event supported so well. Thanks to my team for another great job, to Jack and to all our sponsors, we’ve had a great year.” 
 
Results
 
Swift Signs & Shirts Winter Stages Rally
1 David Henderson/Katie Henderson, Ford Fiesta Rally2 - 51:43   
2 Frank Bird/ Jack Morton, Ford Fiesta Rally2 - 51:52   
3 Joe Cunningham/Joshua Beer, Ford Fiesta - 53:19   
4 Kevin Procter/Tom Woodburn, Ford Fiesta - 53:29
5 Daniel Roskell/Sion Cunniff, Ford Fiesta R5 - 54:54   
6 Paul Swift/Jessica Swift, Ford Escort Mk2 - 55:54
7 Martin Hodgson/Tony Jones, Ford Escort Mk2 - 56:22
8 Lyndon Barton/Dave France, Ford Fiesta R5 - 56:46   
9 Joe McKeand/Charlotte McDowall, Subaru Impreza - 57:12
10 David McMullan/Marc Melhuish, Mitsubishi Evo 6 - 57:13

PBM Racing Team Announces Exclusive Donington Park Networking Event Ahead of 2026 BSB Season

By Rich Page • April 8, 2026
The PBM Racing Team is opening its doors to prospective commercial partners with an exclusive, invitation‑only networking event at Donington Park on Friday 15 May, offering brands a rare opportunity to explore high‑impact sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 British Superbike Championship. Positioned as a gateway for companies looking to align with performance, precision, innovation and passion, the event is designed for organisations seeking to elevate their brand through one of the UK’s most successful and recognisable motorsport teams. Guests will receive unprecedented access to the PBM Racing Team, including direct insight into how strategic partnerships are activated across a full BSB season. Attendees will also be guided through the team’s 2026 sponsorship programme, with opportunities ranging from title partnerships to bespoke hospitality and client‑engagement packages. The day includes: Exclusive access to PBM Racing Team personnel A deep dive into 2026 sponsorship opportunities Behind‑the‑scenes experiences at Donington Park Premium hospitality and networking with current and prospective partners The event aims to help brands understand how motorsport partnerships can drive measurable commercial value, from brand visibility and customer engagement to internal culture, team building and VIP experiences. The event provides a strategic platform for brands seeking differentiation; with competition for consumer attention at an all‑time high, PBM is positioning the 2026 season as a prime opportunity for companies to stand out. The team’s leadership emphasises that modern motorsport partnerships go far beyond logo placement, offering integrated marketing, digital storytelling, experiential activations and corporate hospitality tailored to each partner’s objectives. Attendance is strictly limited, and interested companies are encouraged to register their interest early. Successful applicants will be contacted directly by a member of the PBM Racing Team to confirm their place.

PBM RACING MARKS 30TH ANNIVERSARY

By pbmracing • April 2, 2026
PBM Racing, the most successful team in British Superbike Championship history, is celebrating its 30th anniversary, 30 days to the start of the 2026 season, marking three decades at the forefront of British motorsport.
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