RACING TO TRIUMPH

THE LAST 30 YEARS OF TRIUMPH’S WINNING WAYS

Since the firm’s inauguration way back in 1902, a lot of water has passed under the bridge and countless trophies have been won by Triumph race bikes of all types and sizes. But perhaps some of its greatest endeavours have come in the last three decades, following the brand’s rebirth in Hinckley at the hands of John Bloor.

Triumph rose from the ashes once more, not just in the showrooms, but also out on the racetracks, too. With such a pedigree, it’s probably no surprise that even in its infancy the manufacturer wasted no time in getting back into motorcycle competition. One of the Hinckley factory’s first production models was the 900cc Speed Triple that was quick to win favour with riders on the roads, and also proved a great proposition for a one-make race series to support the British superbike championship of that era. In 1994, the Triumph Speed Triple challenge was born and would run for the following two years, forming an integral part of Triumph’s return to racing on a national level.

It was a smart way to reaffirm the brand’s presence,