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Triumph and Embassy Racing Moto to contest British Supersport Championship

18th January 2008 Print
Triumph, the iconic British Motorcycle manufacturer has announced that Embassy Racing Moto will be their official factory supported team in BSB for 2008 in a deal which will see the Triumph Daytona 675 competing in two classes in the coming year.

Embassy Racing Moto won the 2007 National Superstock Championship in their first season on two wheels. Having taken the decision to offer factory support to a relatively new team, Triumph UK Marketing Manager, Andrea Friggi explained why:

“Although Embassy are relative newcomers to two wheel racing, they have an excellent reputation for motor racing and their credentials are second to none. We saw how they operated last year in the Superstock Championship and they impressed us with their professionalism and positive attitude.

“When we had a chance to talk about working together in 2008 we did not hesitate. Since we began discussions, Embassy has shown commitment and understanding of the relationship we were keen to promote. We are very similar in our approach to racing and the benefits it can bring to the bigger business. We are very pleased that a deal has been done and are looking forward to an exciting season, and perhaps a longer term relationship.”

Factory status is considered a real coup for the fledgling Embassy Moto division, which has evolved out of the team’s GT and Le Mans Series sportscar prototype racing programme. Speaking about the tie up, Embassy team principal, Jonathan France said:

“I was truly blown away by the efforts of the Moto division in its first year, and I had no hesitation in looking to upgrade our programme for 2008. Having a winning team always makes negotiations a little more exciting and although we had a couple of very generous and tempting offers from Japanese brands, as soon as Triumph was brought into the mix, this was always going to be my favoured route.

“After speaking with the company, it was clear that our philosophy and business ideals were compatible and a relationship seemed very natural. From that point, it was just a matter of finalising the detail to suit all parties. I am delighted that we have now reached that point and am looking forward to a successful and long term partnership.”

The team will field Triumph Daytona 675s in two classes in 2008, with two riders in the hugely competitive and exciting Supersport class, and one rider in the newly formed Junior Superstock series.

Joining last year’s Superstock Champion, Glen Richards, in the 2008 Supersport class will be long term Triumph campaigner and factory test rider, Paul Young. Although neither is in the first flush of youth, they are unquestionable talents and still have a tremendous amount to give. It is hoped that the fresh start which produced such good results for Glen last year will continue and rub off on Aussie team mate Paul Young who has already secured podiums on the Triumph. Both riders are hungry to show that they can still win races in the premier 600cc class.

Rookie South African, AJ Venter, will campaign another Daytona 675 in the newly formed Junior Superstock series. An important year for the team youngster, factory status and circuit experience in 2007 will certainly place high expectations for some good performances in 2008.

Embassy has also announced a new title sponsor in the form of Map Electrics, a national data and electrical contractor. Involved as a personal sponsor last year, Map has also taken advantage of the rising profile of the team and the deal will see the Moto team compete in all classes as Map Embassy Racing.