Aitchison to WSS on Triumph
Australian rider Mark Aitchison has been signed to campaign a Daytona 675 in the 2008 World Supersport Championship.
Following his immediate impact on the European motorcycling fraternity, Australian rider Mark Aitchison has been signed to campaign a Daytona 675 in the 2008 World Supersport Championship.
Aitchison will be the lead rider for the newly-incepted Triumph Italia BE1 Racing Team, which is based and run from Milano in Italy. His signing as the team’s frontrunner stems from an impressive World Superstock season in 2007 that saw a maiden race win, amongst other podium finishes. He finished fifth overall, but suffered some bizarre bad luck, that prevented him from challenging for the title.
‘Atcho’ quickly became the target for a number of teams up and down pit lane, who were amazed by his discipline and ability to instantly adapt to tracks he had never raced on before. In his element, he also outclassed more established and experienced riders in coming back through the field, with an aggressive yet extremely fair riding style. These attributes endeared him to the Triumph factory outfit, which begins its first year on the Supersport world stage in 2008.
The Aussie was elated with the team’s decision to select him for competition next season and said he could not wait to begin pre-season testing. “The team competed in selected rounds of the Italian Supersport Championship, where they found excellent results in the final race of the year with my teammate for next year, Ivan Clementi, a past Superbike and Supersport competitor,” said Aitchison. “With development in its very early stages and a complete test program due to start very soon in Europe I am confident that I can reach my goals for the 2008 season,” he said.
“For next year I am happy as the team and I are already working together well from our initial visits and testing, which I know will give me a solid base for success. The Triumph Daytona 675 has won the Supersport bike of the year for two years running and now the company is looking to establish themselves in the world of Supersport racing at the highest level.I can’t wait to get started on the 2008 program and of course the first race in Qatar.”
“I’d also like to thank everyone that has helped me get to where I am today, I deeply appreciate your support and look forward to reporting back with some great results in the future.”
Mark would like to thank his supporters and the following sponsors in assisting his 2007 campaign and looks forward to further success in 2008: AXO Leathers, X-Lite Helmets, BHS Engineering, Speed Secrets and Hunter Valley Paintball.
