Bird has driven Imprezas on numerous occasions

VK Vent Axia driver Paul Bird bowed out of rallying with a second place finish in the 2008 SOL Rally Barbados.

Along with co-driver Ian Windress, Penrith-based Bird posted the fastest time on the Kendal South stage as the duo closed in on the runners-up spot.

"I'm delighted to have finished second behind a world class driver such as Kris Meeke," Bird admitted after the Caribbean-based event.

"But I'm even more thrilled that I beat my old mate Steve Perez."