From a press release:

Triumph ValMoto completes successful first test

Following its launch on Monday 24 February 2003 the Triumph ValMoto team has completed a successful first test at Croft circuit.

On a sunny morning in the north-east the team was at last able to put the Triumph ValMoto Daytona 600 through its paces and get an early indication of how the bike will perform in its challenge for the British Supersport title this season.

Triumph ValMoto team manager Jack Valentine is delighted with the early indications: “Today went very well indeed!”he said. “I don’t want to get too excited but we’ve seen some times today that can equal the best we have achieved in the past.

“My objective from today was to gather as much data as possible to take forward to our next test and to let the riders get the feel of the bike and feel comfortable out on the track. We’ve more than exceeded all of that; we have an excellent bike and the complete package is working really well.”

Riders Craig Jones and Jim Moodie are equally pleased with their first taste of the Triumph Daytona 600 and are both eager to get back out on the track and get as many laps as possible under their wheels as soon as they can.

Craig Jones, last year’s British Junior Superstock champion, describes the bike as mega and wicked. He said: “Today was fantastic, I really enjoyed it. It’s a brilliant bike, the engine feels really strong and the chassis, suspension and brakes are excellent. In fact the brakes are probably one of the bike’s best features.

“We hardly had a problem at all; just a few set-up problems but nothing serious and certainly nothing to worry about. I’m really happy with my times, and my mechanics Paul and James are doing a great job to get the bike running so well.”

Jim Moodie is also pleased with the day’s results. He added: “It went very well today; there is no major work to do. I am just familiarising myself with the bike and the speed but to be honest it only needs minor adjustments
and could race right now!

“Considering that the track was cold and dusty today, after not being used all winter, the times were fantastic, we just need a bit more fine tuning but that’s being sorted out and I just can’t wait to get on the bike again.”