‘Give it a double thumbs-up!’
It’s good to get the confirmation we all wanted and that PBM will be back on the grid in 2024. The Bird family like winning, they always have done. Jordan and Frank are like their dad and will both be an important part of the jigsaw. I’ve known them since they were born, I held them in my arms when they were babies, and I’ve tried to help and given Jordan a bit of direction over the years.
They’ve got a strong team behind them and nobody has panicked and jumped ship, which is a nice thing. Some of the mechanics were there when I was. They are elder statesmen, they’re not there to fuel their egos, they’re there because they want to win.
They’ve got everything in terms of equipment and set-up so it would be a travesty if PBM weren’t on the grid, so it’s a double thumbs-up from me and I like the way they’ve done it. Everyone wanted them to make an official announcement months ago, but sometimes things don’t work like that. They’ve had lots of tricky situations to deal with, but they’ve done it their way and what matters is that they’ll be on the grid – that’s the important bit.
Of course PBM won’t be the same without Paul, a piece of the legacy is gone, but Frank and Jordan are going to carry it on and I commend them for it.
I’m excited to see what they can do and they’ve got a proper peddler with Glenn Irwin onboard, a proper bike and a proper team; it’s just lacking the kingpin which was Birdy himself.
It’s good that they’ve re-located to Frank Wrathall’s workshop. It’s where it all started and with the people they have involved it’s a real successful pot of talent.
I used to travel to Frank’s every day after work to prep my 250 back in 1996. I didn’t have a fulltime mechanic so me and Becky used to go there, take the heads off and Frank would prepare them. I’ve still got a great connection with Frank and his son. Frank is just a great guide. I’ve had plenty of conversations with him that have gone on into the early hours.
But look, it’s great PBM are back for 2024, BSB couldn’t afford to lose a team like that with factory Ducatis and I’m sure it will be all hands to the pump to make sure they are at the front come the start of the season.