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

IRWIN AND HAGER PBM DUCATI END SUCCESSFUL SECOND TEST ON TOP

April 19, 2025
THE Hager PBM Ducati team continued its strong testing form at Donington Park as rider Glenn Irwin once again ended the two days fastest overall. Although the team is still not concentrating on lap times, Irwin picked up where he left off at Circuito de Navarra earlier this month as he led the way on Friday before going even quicker on Day Two with an impressive fastest lap of 1min 27.015s in the final session. After a strong first test where he topped the timesheets at Navarra, the team headed to the second R&G Official test at Donington Park looking to work on a number of different things. Irwin was consistently quick across the opening day, ending Friday fastest overall with a 1:27.022sec lap in the final session to end the day at the top of the timesheets with what was the fastest ever BSB lap of the iconic track. Along with most of the pack, he opted to sit out of Saturday morning’s first session due to track conditions, heading out for the second to work through a few more things. He again shot to the top of the timesheets with a lap of 1:27.468, before later going one better in the final session to clock his new fastest ever lap. Glenn Irwin: “It’s been really good, like Navarra, we’ve continued with a plan. Yesterday we had a really, really strong bike here and conditions were a little better. Today conditions were tougher with the wind but everyone still finds a way to go fast. “We probably persevered with a bike which is suited to the final sector, perhaps Turn One as well. As the day went on I realised we were losing a bit in some places but we stuck with it. “It’s pleasing because I would say that isn’t the bike of choice for here, perhaps maybe yesterday's bike was better, but to top today feeling like that, to do a lot of laps in the 27s with improved pace on old tyres is good. The test has definitely been a success.” John Mowatt, Team Co-ordinator: “I think it’s been a positive test where we’ve confirmed a number of test items over the two days. We had slightly better conditions yesterday than today but I think we’ve ticked a lot of boxes, gone fairly quick so it’s all positive – roll on Oulton Park. “The plan there is more of the same, just keep trying to understand the new tyre, try and work with it. I think longevity is going to be the key now for Oulton Park, we’ll do a couple of race runs, see how the tyre lasts and then get ready for Round One.” The team will now prepare for the final test at Oulton Park next Wednesday and Thursday, April 23 and 24 which will be the last chance to get everything ready ahead of the first round of the 2025 season at Oulton Park over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

IRWIN AND HAGER PBM DUCATI READY FOR DONINGTON PARK TEST

April 17, 2025
THE Hager PBM Ducati team and rider Glenn Irwin head to Donington Park this week for the second Bennetts British Superbike Championship R&G Official Test. After a strong run at Circuito de Navarra earlier this month, the team is looking forward to getting back on track in the UK, as the countdown to the start the 2025 season continues.  The iconic Donington Park will play host to the second pre-season test on Good Friday and Saturday, before the class of 2025 heads to Oulton Park next Wednesday and Thursday, April 23 and 24, for the final test before the season begins over the May Bank Holiday weekend. The team is looking to build on the success of the Navarra test, where Irwin was consistently quick, setting the pace on the first day before topping the timesheets at the end of the event with a best lap of 1min 44:527s. But keen not to get caught up focusing on lap times yet, Irwin is more concerned about getting through as much work as possible during the two days and making sure the important boxes are ticked. Glenn Irwin: “We’re all looking forward to it. At Navarra, it was important we worked through a number of things which are different this year and it was a great test – but it’s important that we don’t get complacent. “At Donington we’ve more new items to try and we’ve got a list of work to get through, which will be our priority. Once we’ve done all that and have a good feeling, I think we can show up well on the timesheets, but more so in race rhythm than in one-off fast laps. “At Navarra, we found areas where I was weak last year but not this year so we were able to use this as a reference. At Donington, we know the track well and have an idea of where we need to be but for me it’s about continuing to evaluate what we have and understanding the feeling of everything rather than get too hung up on what the timesheet says. If it feels good and we’re good, we’re happy!” Jordan Bird, Team Co-owner: The whole Hager PBM Ducati team is looking forward to being back on home soil for the first time this year. Navarra was a really productive test for us so the team and Glenn are heading into our UK testing program in great spirits! “We are looking forward to seeing plenty of BSB fans trackside at Donington Park. Let’s hope the sun is shining for us!”
More Posts