Paul Bird, the owner of the BeerMonster Ducati Team in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, has died at the age of 56. The team made the announcement on September 1, 2023.

Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the details surrounding Bird’s death have not been disclosed.

Under Bird’s leadership, Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) has been dominating the British Superbike Championship with rider Tommy Bridewell. Bridewell, riding a Ducati Panigale V4R, currently holds the top spot alongside teammate Glenn Irwin. This unfortunate event may have an impact on the team’s performance in the remaining races of the season, with the next round scheduled for September 15 to 17, 2023 at Oulton Park.

PBM has achieved numerous victories in the British Superbike Championship, securing eight riders’ titles. The team’s success began in 2003 with Steve Hislop, who won five titles. Shane Byrne replaced Hislop and won three titles in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017. In 2019, PBM became the champion again with ex-MotoGP rider Scott Redding and Josh Brookes on the Ducati.

In addition to their British Superbike achievements, PBM also managed Kawasaki’s factory World Superbike campaign from 2009 to 2011 before passing on the responsibility to Provec.

The team ventured into MotoGP in 2012 and participated in the Isle of Man TT with Ian Hutchinson in 2015, achieving victories with John McGuinness and Joey Dunlop.

Prior to his passing, it was disclosed that Bird had been briefly admitted to the hospital due to an undisclosed illness. Our deepest condolences to all those affected by his loss.