Triumph have joined forced with Astro JJR to line up with the Street Triple RS in the newly formed Astro JJR Triumph team for the Hinckley factory’s official Quattro Group British Supersport Championship assault this season.
Kiwi-born contender Shane Richardson joins the team having gained experience on the UK tracks in both the Supersport and Superstock classes, narrowly missing a podium finish in 2021.
Rhys Irwin completes the team line up after podium finishes and a top ten finish in last year’s Supersport title fight as he prepares to make the switch to line up on the Street Triple RS.
Richardson said: “At Triumph when we all got together for the first time, to see the size of the effort around you as a rider, it just feels like a really good place to be. I’m very excited and quietly confident.
“People have asked if I will need to change my riding for the triple but there are changes between every bike. We’ve got a great team and a good pre-season lined up and we’ll work through it all.”
Irwin said: “It’s so good to be in this situation with a factory team and a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to grabbing it with both hands. It also helps me that the bike’s narrow because I’m pretty compact myself, the slim line setup feels good.”
Stuart Tromans, co-Principle, Astro JJR Racing Triumph said: “This is a big deal because while it’s only doing what we’ve done for 20 years as a team, this is our first factory deal. We’re honoured Triumph has chosen us to carry its British Supersport ambitions in 2022.
“At Astro we’ve punched above our weight in the British championship for years and we’ll maximise the value of everything that goes into this team to really make a difference.”
James Jackson, co-Principle, Astro JJR Racing Triumph added: “There will be a lot of work done in a short space of time to be ready, but the bike looks great and I’m confident we can put a good package together.”
Jeremy Appleton, Global Racing Manager, Triumph concluded: “With Astro JJR coming to Triumph, we are continuing our commitment to the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship and the development of the Street Triple RS for racing.
“Stuart and the team have done a great job in the past; they have two exciting young riders and the opportunity to build for the future with a race-winning package.”