Embassy run official Triumph BSS effort

Embassy Racing Moto has announced it will be the official Triumph factory-supported team in British Supersport in 2008.

The team will run two riders in the hugely competitive Supersport class. Joining the team’s 2007 National Superstock champion, Glen Richards, will be long-term Triumph campaigner and factory test rider, Paul Young. 

Alongside the team’s Supersport riders, AJ Venter, the rookie South African, will compete another 675 in the newly-formed Junior Superstock series.

Richards’ 2007 National Superstock title came in Embassy Racing’s first season on two wheels. They also have successful sport car racing team.

Embassy were in talks with several manufacturers for 2008 but finally opted to go with the Britsh manufacturers and are the sole official Triumph factory supported team in British Supersport.

Team Buff/JHS Racing claimed official Triumph status for their BSS effort before christmas, even though Triumph denied the link, and Embassy have since agreed the deal which will see them running the only  official-factory backed Daytona 675s in the two classes this year. Buff/JHS will field bikes which benefit the same race support programme open to other privateer teams.

Having taken the decision to offer factory support to a relatively new  team, Triumph UK Marketing Manager, Andrea Friggi explained: “Although Embassy is new to two wheel racing, they have an excellent reputation 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 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.”

 Along with factory support, Embassy is pleased to announce 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 se the Moto team compete in all classes as Map Embassy Racing.