DOUBLE PODIUM FOR TRIUMPH DAYTONA 660 AT DONINGTON IN NATIONAL SPORTBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Words and images courtesy of Triumph Racing
Harrison Dessoy makes it three podiums from three races with second and third place finishes at Donington Park.
Round two of the National Sportbike Championship saw the Triumph Daytona 660 continue its strong form with a double podium. Harrison Dessoy, riding the factory-supported PHR Performance Triumph, delivered second and third place finishes. Additionally, he set a new race lap record and achieved pole position—underlining the competitiveness of the Daytona 660 in a fiercely contested field of over 40 riders.
For Saturday’s race one, Dessoy lined up second on the grid and got a strong start.
He held position behind early leader Beekmans as the pair began to break away from the pack. He hit the front on lap seven, but Beekmans regained the lead. Despite setting the fastest lap of the race on the final lap—securing pole for Sunday’s Race Two—Dessoy had to settle for a close second.
Rhys Stephenson brought his Triumph home in fifth, Thomas Strudwick placed seventh, and Taylor Rose rounded out the top ten. This made it four Daytona 660s in the top 10. Macadam Triumph riders Lewis Smart, Brodie Gawith, and Jayden Martin finished 12th, 13th, and 19th respectively.
In Sunday’s race, Dessoy again challenged at the front and was leading the race.
However, he ran wide and slipped to third in a close battle with Beekmans and Fleerackers. Strudwick claimed fifth and Rose took eighth. Smart finished 12th making it a double points scoring weekend for the rookie. Meanwhile, Martin rounded out the points in 15th. Unfortunately, Gawith crashed out of a points-scoring position after going in too hot at the Melbourne Hairpin.
With three podiums from three races, a race lap record and pole position, Dessoy and the Triumph Daytona 660 are proving to be true title contenders. They are currently sitting second in the championship standings.
The National Sportbike Championship resumes at Snetterton on 20–22 June.
Harrison Dessoy #55:
“I had a really good first race at Donington. I gave 100%. I looked to make a move in the last couple of corners but unfortunately couldn’t make it stick. The boys worked really hard and I was really pleased with the result. Race two today was another tricky race. I was really comfortable leading for a few more laps than yesterday. I was pushing as hard as I could. It was a really good race, another P3, another podium. Thus, I’m really pleased with that. I’m keeping that consistent and let’s try again for that win at Snetterton.”
Lewis Smart #32:
“We’ve had a positive weekend for round two at Donington. We finished practice in P10 and I was confident going into qualifying. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the best qualifying, ending up in P18. This gave me a bit of work to do in the races. I finished P12 in race one and race two, so it is forward steps. However, we still have work to do. Overall a positive weekend though, and I’m looking forward to Snetterton in a few weeks.”
Brodie Gawith #27:
“Mixed feelings here at Donington. Overall, somewhat happy with the results. Unfortunately, I crashed out of the last race but I’ve definitely got more pace this round. I am pushing towards the top 10, taking more steps with the bike and myself. Hopefully, we can keep going like this for round three at Snetterton.”
Jayden Martin #85:
“Round two complete. It wasn’t exactly what we wanted, it was a bit tricky but in the last race we managed to get a point in the bag which was good. I now head home back to Australia. I’ll come back with a fresh mind ready to go again.”
