The Triumph and BSA 750 triples did more than enough on the
racetrack to ensure their place in motorcycling history. BSA-Triumphs Chief
Engineer Doug Hele spearheaded engine development throughout 1969, while frame
builder Rob North devised a chassis that would stand the test of time like few
others.The team narrowly missed victory at the
1970 Daytona 200, its first major event, Gene Romero finishing second on a
Triumph. Dick Manns BSA won at Daytona in 1971 and John Cooper, also
BSA-mounted, at Mallory Parks Race of the Year, vanquishing the hitherto
unbeatable combination of Giacomo Agostini and MV. Percy Tait and Ray Pickrell
had won the 24-hour Bol d?Or endurance race the preceding week on another
Triple, and Cooper wrapped up a memorable international season for BSA-Triumph
with victory in the 250-mile race at Ontario in October.
Financial difficulties meant that there was no works effort
in 1972, but privateers kept the Triples winning for many years. Miles
Engineering later acquired the rights to the North chassis and continued
production, ensuring that the BSA-Triumph triples remain a potent force in
classic racing today. The Rob North frames are currently produced by Trident
Engineering.
