TRIUMPH DOMINATES TOP 6 AT DAYTONA 200
Words and images courtesy of Triumph Motorcycles
Triumph Motorcycles made a strong statement at the legendary Daytona 200, securing three top-six finishes, with Peter Hickman leading the charge in fourth place aboard his Triumph Street Triple 765. Brandon Paasch and Danny Eslick followed closely behind in fifth and sixth, solidifying an impressive result for the British manufacturer.
The PHR Performance Triumph team returned to Florida for the world-famous Daytona 200, with British duo Peter Hickman and Richard Cooper contesting the 57-lap solo endurance race onboard their Triumph Street Triple 765 machines among 32 riders from six different countries.
“I was really happy with the 765, the bike was really strong and working really well. We also had one of the fastest pit stops in the race, the boys did a brilliant job so thank you to them.” says Hickman.
The TOBC Racing duo including Brandon Paasch who won the 2022 Daytona 200 on a Triumph, and teammate Danny Eslick, also made their return to the famous race at the iconic Daytona International Speedway.
Both PHR riders along with Paasch impressed in qualifying, securing top-12 finishes in the two sessions to advance into the Time Attack. Brandon Paasch, the 2022 Daytona 200 winner on a Triumph, secured third on the grid. Triumph’s strong showing continued with Hickman qualifying fourth, and teammate Cooper just behind in fifth.
The first pit stop went smoothly for all four riders who were battling in the top seven when the race was red-flagged due to rain. On the restart they all got good starts and were running together towards the front of the field when a crash saw the red flag come out again.
After the second restart, Cooper was running in third when unfortunately a technical issue ended his race. Seasoned road racer Hickman made his Daytona 200 debut last year, and on his second attempt, crossed the line in a well-earned fourth place, underlining the capabilities of the Triumph Street Triple 765 in one of the most demanding races on the calendar.
Paasch, a two-time Daytona 200 winner, put in another strong performance, finishing in fifth place ahead of fellow Triumph rider and former Daytona 200 champion Danny Eslick who secured sixth, ensuring Triumph’s presence throughout the leading pack, proving the pedigree of the Street Triple 765 at one of America’s most prestigious races.