Triumph Trident Rob North Racing

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.