Yesterday, we received a press release. Nothing new there, as we do everyday, but this one was an intriguing press release. It concerned an old colleague of mine, Jeremy Appleton, who used to be the face of media at Alpinestars and a consummate professional to boot. Triumph announced Jerry as the new ‘Global Racing Manager’ for the Hinckley manufacturer.
Maybe I’m over-thinking this but Triumph appointing a Global Racing Manager? Yes, they supply engines in Moto2, and yes, they’ve just pulled the covers off the official factory effort in British Supersport this week, but the Moto2 deal is essentially run by Dorna and its partners, and the aforementioned British Superpsort effort utilises a modified Street Triple 765, not a bonafide racer with any pedigree. The point is, surely Triumph has more meaty racing plans and/or sporty models coming with such an appointment?
“His appointment reflects Triumph’s commitment and growing investment within motorcycle racing. His focus will be on building global brand awareness and demonstrating Triumph innovation and performance credentials. Jeremy will report to Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, Steve Sargent and will help to co-ordinate our successful and record breaking Moto2 Engine partnership and also our new Factory supported 2021 British Supersports collaboration with PTR racing.”
And this factory supported team is a massive job; they’ve enlisted the help of Simon Muckblaster’s PTR Racing squad, who have spent the past 15 years in World Supersport. They’ve also got two fast riders in Kyle Smith and Brandon Paasch (who won’t be cheap) on a grid full of prototype racers and proven supersport steeds.
As I said, I may be spouting complete codswallop, but that doesn’t stop us dreaming of a Daytona replacement or a fully-faired Speed Triple 1200 RS. Or anything racier from Triumph. The ‘growing investment within motorcycle racing’ is the intriguing nugget there, and we can only hope of some additional triple treats to drool over.
I think it’s fair to assume the Daytona is dead – the final hurrah being the limited-edition 765 Moto2 model. However, when quizzed, they haven’t ruled out a replacement and it’s always been a case of ‘if the public want it, we’ll make it.’ We want it, Triumph…
