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Poignant victory for Cumbrian superbikes team
Cumbrian team Hager PBM Ducati enjoyed a poignant victory at Oulton Park in their latest Bennetts British Superbikes outing.
A hat-trick of victories by Glenn Irwin ensured a successful weekend as the team returned to the Cheshire circuit for the first time since tributes were paid there to late team owner Paul Bird last year.
Irwin's hat-trick made it a memorable return according to Paul Bird's son Frank, who is now the team's joint owner along with sister Jordan.
He said: "The last time we were here was for dad’s memorial last September so to return to the venue and take all three wins is perfect.
"We’re continuing racing in his memory so all the wins are dedicated to him.”
The victories were dedicated to the memory of late team owner Paul Bird (Image: News & Star)
Langwathby's Paul Bird died last September aged 56.
Irwin's hat-trick at Oulton sealed the first victories for the new-look team.
He was fastest in Saturday's practice and had a front row position for Sunday's opening 18-lap race - and after a strong start, took the lead and stayed in front for the remaining 15 laps, taking the chequered flag ahead of fellow Ducati rider Christian Iddon.
The put Irwin on pole for the 12-lap sprint race - and he led from start to finish for another impressive victory, beating former team-mate Tommy Bridewell into second.
The Northern Irish ace then completed a treble in the final race when, after starting second in the grid, he remained behind Iddon until the 12th lap, taking the lead at the Hizzy’s chicane and keeping his rivals at bay to the finish.
His performance earned the championship lead and Irwin said: "We had to show our character and box professionally, so the treble was nothing short of what the team deserved.
"It sets us up nicely for a busy two weeks with the North West 200 next and then Donington Park BSB so a big thanks to Jordan, Frank and the whole team.”
Glenn Irwin in action at Oulton (Image: DoubleRed)
Frank Bird said: “It’s been a dream weekend and to take a hat-trick for the next generation of PBM is superb.
"After Navarra, we’ve regrouped and come back with a bang and to do it at our local circuit, in front of many of our sponsors as well as family and friends, is the icing on the cake.
"Both Glenn and the bike were on point all weekend and the team have worked incredibly well so hopefully it can give us some momentum and there’s no reason why we won’t be adding more wins this year."
