Original Paul Bird in rally return RALLY REPORTS

Rally driver Paul Bird will return to competition after a gap of 21 years, competing in the new Bimmacup UK championship for BMW 318 Compacts.

Bird is the namesake, but in no means connected to, Ford Focus WRC07 driver Paul Bird, who was recently banned from competition for eight years for being found guilty of evading a drugs test.

The Paul Bird who will return to competition runs the LMS Events and Entertainments company, and heard about the series from East African Safari Rally winner Ryan Champion, who contested the first round of the new series at Blyton Park earlier this month.

“I’m the wrong end of the spectrum to be looking for glory, I’m out looking for fun,” said Bird of his rally return. “I heard about it from Ryan, I’ve been friends with him for years. I actually used to service for Rick [Champion], Ryan’s dad.

“It was just too short notice for the first round at Blyton. But the car should be ready, we’ve just got bits and bobs to do for April. I’m planning to do the rest of the rounds.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea for a championship, hopefully by next year we’ll have 11 or 12 cars. Anyone who wants to know more or compete should get in touch with Rob Brook [rob@rb-motorsport.co.uk] or Ryan Champion.”

Bird has bought the sister car to the one which won the BRSCC BMW Compact Cup racing series in the hands of Steven Dailly last year.

The series visits the Lookout Stages (April 7) Abingdon Car-nival (June 9) Pendragon Stages (August 25) and the Harold Palin Memorial Rally (October 10).

The title winner gets a subsidised trip to the Barbados Bimmacup finale in November.