Triumph return to British Supersport with Astro JJR team

Triumph have announced their return to the BSB paddock and will compete in the 2022 Quattro Group British Supersport championship. 

Triumph’s return to the domestic Supersport series comes after the British manufacturer announced their return to WorldSSP for the first time since 2012. 

Along with the deal to join Triumph, Astro JJR Racing have signed Shane Richardson and Rhys Irwin who will be aboard the Street Triple RS machine. 

Richardson, who has experience in both Supersport and Superstock 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 is the more experienced rider when it comes to the Supersport category and finished tenth during the 2021 season. Irwin’s best results came at round eight when he recorded a double podium at Silverstone. 

"It’s so good to be in this situation with a factory team and a great opportunity," said Irwin, "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."

The partnership between Astro JJR and Triumph is a landmark one for the former as it’s their first factory deal since they began racing 20 years ago. 

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."