Triumph will launch a bid to win the prestigious Daytona 200 in collaboration with PHR Performance with a two man effort featuring Isle of Man TT record holder Peter Hickman and BSB race winner Richard Cooper.
The British manufacturer will enter a pair of Triumph STR765 RSs in an effort to replicate the success of Brandon Paasch, who scored a sensational victory aboard the machine in 2022 by snatching success by a mere 0.007s in a dash for the finish line.
Its bid has been made possible by BSB front runner and renowned road racing expert Hickman investing in development of the STR765 RS package that he will campaign in the Supersport class at the TT.
It will be the Louth rider’s first appearance at the Daytona 200, marking a fulfilment of a major career objective for him.
“The Daytona 200 is a race that I’ve not only watched for many years, but also always wanted to compete in,” he said.
“To finally get everything in place to run not only myself but also “Coopes” as the official Triumph entry is absolutely amazing, and I cannot wait! We’re running the same bikes we’ll be running at the Isle of Man TT this year, so it gives us a good platform for extra testing.
“I need to thank a few teams for helping to make all this happen. Triumph Racing, Freedom Road Financial, Faye Ho and the FHO Racing team for not only allowing me to bring my own team to race here but also for supporting us, and of course David Robinson of Bathgate Group.
“Everyone has made a substantial input to get us ready. I can’t wait to get on track and experience Daytona for the first time. To say I’m excited is an understatement and I know that with the package we have, we will be strong contenders.”
For Cooper, it will be a return to the event for the first time in 16 years having previously competed in 2008 and scored a top five finish.
“I am mega excited to be returning to the Daytona 200! The last time I raced here was back in 2008 where I finished fifth in the main race.
“This year, I’m returning with Triumph and the PHR Performance Team on the Street Triple 765 RS I believe that with this team and this bike, we are capable of achieving top honors!
“It’s a huge effort from everyone in the team to get the bikes, equipment, and personnel over from the UK but with the team we have, I’m confident we’ll be right at the sharp end from the first practice.
“Looking at the previous results, the Triumph Street Triple has been a great package, winning in ‘22 and delivering a strong pace in ’23. I’m looking forward to meeting and putting on a good show for the fans in March.”
Hickman and Cooper aren’t the only international riders due to make the trip to Daytona on 7-9 March with Lee Johnston using the event as a his big comeback to competitive action following his time out through injury aboard a Suzuki.
They will also be joined by EWC front-runners YART (Yamaha Austria Team), which will enter three bikes of Marvin Fritz, Karel Hanika and Niccolo Canepa.
