By Next to feature in Road Racing News Famous TT Marques series is British biking royalty, Triumph.
Created by German Siegfried Bettmann, the Triumph brand first launched in 1883 and produced it’s first two wheel machine in 1902.
Five years later they would take part in the inaugural TT Races, going onto enjoy Single Cylinder podium finishing success with Jack Marshall.
The following year would see Marshall take the Single Cylinder race title, with four of the top five finishers piloting Triumph’s.
More podium success would follow over the next five years whilst high points from the 1920’s/1930’s included Walter Brandish securing second within the Senior TT of 1922.
Triumph’s continued to excel around the Mountain Course in the late 1940’s, early 1950’s with highlights including Clubmans TT victories with Allan Jefferies, Ken Arber and BJ Hargreaves plus the likes of Ernie Young and Owen Greenwood providing strong Sidecar results.
The next great period of TT Racing for Triumph arose from the early 60’s to the early 70’s, as the iconic ‘Slippery Sam’ (Trident 750) steed took centre stage.
Slippery Sam proved dominant within the Production 750cc class with Triumph enjoying 750 class successes in 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974.
Racers to take the victory spoils with ‘Slippery Sam’ were Malcolm Uphill, Ray Pickrell, Tony Jefferies and Kawasaki’s first Senior TT Champion Mick Grant.
Alongside Production 750cc class domination, Formula 750, Production 500 race wins would also arise within the ‘Slippery Sam’ era.
Triumph’s next major TT successes sees us move to the modern era. Relaunched in 1984 by John Bloor, the Triumph name made an immensely popular return to the TT winners circle in 2003, as Valmoto supported Bruce Anstey powered to Junior class honours.
11 years later Gary Johnson and Smiths Racing would secure the Monster Energy Supersport Race 1 crown whilst the history making Smiths squad would enjoy more Supersport success last year as outright Mountain Course lap record holder Peter Hickman acquired middleweight class Race 2 spoils.
Iconic, world famous, prestigious, high esteem are just a few ways to express how many feel about Triumph. They are as previously mentioned British biking royalty and will forever be associated with the unparalleled TT Races.
Words by Stevie Rial
