October 24, 2021

Bird Conquers Otterburn To Win Cheviot Rally

Cumbrian driver Frank Bird was back in rally action this weekend where he once again took on some of the best drivers in the country as he swept to victory on the Ford Parts Cheviot Stages Rally.

Utilising the sealed roads of the Otterburn military range in Northumberland and comprising the final round of the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship, the 22-year-old from Penrith led from start to finish to emerge over half a minute clear of his nearest rival after 60 miles of stages.

 

Frank has done very little rallying this year due to his commitments in the Fanatec GT World Cup Europe Sprint and Endurance Championships at the wheel of the Team WRT Audi R8 LMS and this was the first time competing in an asphalt rally since May.

 

Along with Lake District-based co-driver Jack Morton, the pair were having their first outing in the recently acquired Dom

Buckley Motorsport-prepared and Frank Bird Poultry-backed Ford Fiesta Rally2 as the pair took on the sport’s established stars whilst leading from start to finish.

 

The opening stage saw Bird quickest by three seconds whereby he maintained the lead after SS2 despite dropping time and the advantage was increased on the next two stages to hold a 17 second lead after four stages.

 

The pair continued to build their advantage and after eight stages, it stood at 22 seconds and just for good measure, Bird was quickest on the remaining four tests to emerge victorious by 31 seconds over Scottish crew Gordon Morrison and co-driver Hannah McKillop (Ford Fiesta R5) who were two seconds ahead of Jason Pritchard/Phil Clarke (Ford Focus WRC).

 

Frank Bird: “I’d have been happy with a podium all things considered so I’m a little bit surprised to take the win, especially given the quality of the opposition. It was our first time out in the car, and it ran faultlessly so thanks to the team for another great job. The only problem we had was a half spin on SS7 where we dropped around ten seconds on a chicane but apart from that, we had a great run. Thanks to Jack for a great job on the notes and of course my dad and our sponsors. It was good to be back out again in the rally car and look forward to our next event at Oulton Park next month.”

 

Results – Ford Parts Cheviot Stages Rally, Otterburn

 

  1. Frank Bird/Jack Morton (Ford Fiesta Rally2)               52 mins 38 secs           
  2. Gordon Morrison/ Hannah McKillop (Ford Fiesta R5)      + 31 seconds
  3. Jason Pritchard/Phil Clarke (Ford Focus WRC)                 + 33 seconds
  4. Neil Roskell/John Cope (Ford Fiesta R5)                           + 44 seconds
  5. John Stone/Tom Woodburn (VW Polo GTI R5)                + 1 min 14 secs
  6. Stephen Simpson/Patrick Walsh (Ford Fiesta R5)              + 2 mins 16 secs
  7. Kevin Procter/Peter Gibson (Ford Fiesta)                           + 2 mins 37 secs
  8. Joe Cunningham/Josh Beer (Ford Fiesta)                           + 2 mins 40 secs
  9. Mark McCulloch/Michael Hendry (Ford Escort Mk2)       + 2 mins 41 secs
  10. Richard Clews/Carl Williamson (Subaru Impreza STI)   + 2 mins 28 secs


Pictures attached copyright free, courtesy of James Ward, Chicane Media Photography (www.chicanemedia.co.uk)

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.
More Posts