Triumph Motorcycles made a strong statement at the legendary Daytona 200, securing three top-six finishes, with Peter Hickman leading the charge in fourth place aboard his Triumph Street Triple 765. Brandon Paasch and Danny Eslick followed closely behind in fifth and sixth, solidifying an impressive result for the British manufacturer.

The PHR Performance Triumph team returned to Florida for the world-famous Daytona 200, with British duo Peter Hickman and Richard Cooper contesting the 57-lap solo endurance race onboard their Triumph Street Triple 765 machines among 32 riders from six different countries.

The TOBC Racing duo including Brandon Paasch who won the 2022 Daytona 200 on a Triumph, and teammate Danny Eslick, also made their return to the famous race at the iconic Daytona International Speedway.

Both PHR riders along with Paasch impressed in qualifying, securing top-12 finishes in the two sessions to advance into the Time Attack. Brandon Paasch, the 2022 Daytona 200 winner on a Triumph, secured third on the grid. Triumph’s strong showing continued with Hickman qualifying fourth, and teammate Cooper just behind in fifth. 

Four-time Daytona 200 winner Eslick just missed out on the time attack, but got an incredible start and the four Triumph riders were battling at the front and all took turns to lead throughout the race. 

The first pit stop went smoothly for all four riders who were battling in the top seven when the race was red-flagged due to rain. On the restart they all got good starts and were running together towards the front of the field when a crash saw the red flag come out again.

After the second restart, Cooper was running in third when unfortunately a technical issue ended his race. Seasoned road racer Hickman made his Daytona 200 debut last year, and on his second attempt, crossed the line in a well-earned fourth place, underlining the capabilities of the Triumph Street Triple 765 in one of the most demanding races on the calendar.

Paasch, a two-time Daytona 200 winner, put in another strong performance, finishing in fifth place ahead of fellow Triumph rider and former Daytona 200 champion Danny Eslick who secured sixth, ensuring Triumph’s presence throughout the leading pack, proving the pedigree of the Street Triple 765 at one of America’s most prestigious races.

Peter Hickman: “Really happy with the result. Being inside the top six was my personal aim. Obviously I’d love to win the race but I have to be realistic, with my stature it’s harder on a supersport bike especially somewhere like Daytona where a lot of it comes down to the slipstream. I was really strong on the infield, and even led at one point which was a really nice feeling.

I was really happy with the 765, the bike was really strong and working really well. We also had one of the fastest pit stops in the race, the boys did a brilliant job so thank you to them. I also want to thank our sponsors including FreedomRoad Financial.”

Richard Cooper: “I felt like everything was aligned and we were on for a great result. We were fast in every session, the bike was working fantastically, the PHR boys did an amazing job. We really improved on last year with the pit stops and the way the bike and team were working. The bikes were strong in all parts of the circuit that was giving me the confidence to be able to contend for a podium. I was in the lead a number of times during the race and feeling comfortable. We had a great pit stop which put us right in contention before the red flag. After the red flag we were right at the sharp end. Unfortunately, after the second restart a technical issue ended my race. 

It’s a really hard one to take. I felt that we all deserved a result on my side of the garage. Pete did an amazing job and I’m so happy to be part of that. I hold my head up high with what we achieved this week. Regardless of what the results say on the sheet, I’m very happy with how it’s gone. I’m taking all the positives and hopefully we’ll be back in 2025.” 

Ian Kimber, Head of Global Racing Programmes, Triumph Motorcycles: “Daytona was another great showing for the Street Triple 765, with three bikes within the top six.  Hicky had a great ride to finish 4th, and what a great way to honour Michelle’s memory with the TOBC riders Brandon and Danny finishing just behind him. Results like these show just how competitive the bike is, and with the increase in approved engine builders, we will be able to bring this great package to more racers.”