Monday, November 21 2011
British champions Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) have joined forces with nationwide accident compensation experts, Rapid Solicitors, in a bid to claim victory at the 2012 British Superbike Championship.
Rapid Solicitors became involved in the series during 2011 and will link up as title sponsors for the Cumbria-based team. PBM recently announced the exciting signings of double British Superbike champion Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne and former British Supersport champion Stuart Easton to ride factory specification Kawasaki ZX-10Rs in the world’s premier domestic bike race series.
This deal will see Byrne and Easton racing under the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki banner in BSB. In addition, the team’s Metzeler National Superstock 1000 rider Keith Farmer will also run the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki ZX-10R in that series.
Further exposure for Rapid Solicitors will be effected by means of PBM’s James Ellison’s participation in next season’s MotoGP World Championship as one of the Claiming Rule Teams (CRT). Cross branding in the four wheeled world will also be made possible as team owner Paul Bird takes part in the BRTDA Rally Series, and selected other events in 2012, in his Ford Focus WRC.
Finally, the official partnership will ensure category exclusive rights of association, on-site rights, extended trackside advertising visibility and naming rights to the new Kawasaki powered National Junior Cup which will guest at certain BSB events, designed to provide one of the easiest routes ever into National level racing.
Andrew Baldwin of Rapid Solicitors said: “As principal sponsor of a new team I have to be certain my substantial investment will have the best chance of success. This isn’t merely a jolly for me; we need clients to appreciate our investment in the sport by using our services. We need to be in the news and results put you there. I visited the Penrith factory to see the set-up and to meet some of the key people involved in this project. I was left in no doubt that this team is determined to entertain and to deliver silverware. Paul Bird readily admits that coming back from World Superbikes, he knows everyone will want to beat his team, but he’s ready for the challenge. I admire this kind of courage and starting as one of the favourites for the 2012 championship, will provide added impetus to deliver results.”
Team Owner Paul Bird commented: “We are delighted to welcome Andy and Rapid Solicitors to our team and we hope it will be a long and successful association. We’re coming back to BSB for one reason and that’s to win. I have signed the two riders we wanted, I’m using the bikes we wanted and now we have an important sponsor on board, it just gets better! I’m sure Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki will be a major force in next season’s championship but it will be tough and we’re under no illusions.”
Stuart Higgs, Series Director added: “I’m delighted that Rapid Solicitors and PBM are joining forces. The combination of a team and championship level association is a powerful alliance which will thrust Rapid Solicitors brand and services to a huge audience making them top of mind within their field of expertise. PBM are a World Championship pedigree team and we are delighted that they are back in BSB.”
