Triumph T3: Superteen champ joins the TTC

Reigning Superteen champion Stephanie Waddelow will race in the British Triumph Triple Challenge in 2009.
 

Waddelow will ride a SS Racing Triumph 675 backed by Signal UK and Seldaw Cleaning, the same machine that took team mate Jack Sim to championship victory in the 2008 British Triumph TDG Cup.
 

Stephanie said "I had several options open to me for 2009, a couple of which were rides in the British 125 GP class but they all required substantial budgets to compete and with the current financial crisis it proved impossible to find. However, my old team run by Steve Shepherd stepped back in with the offer of racing the Triumph Jack raced last year and I jumped at the chance. I am really excited at the prospect of riding a real bike after the little Aprilia and have already had a successful test at Mallory Park."
 

Father Graham Waddelow added: "I can't wait to see 'Flossy' out on a big bike and showing the boys what she can do. The Triumph series is in my eyes the most cost effective and high profile championship out there outside BSB, and combine that with the TV coverage and some races being a part of the BSB calendar, with luck, we can build on the momentum of 2008."
 

Meanwhile Sim looks set to move up a class in 2009 riding a brand new Yamaha R1 supplied by personal sponsor Mike Neillans and supported by SS Racing, Landscape Stone and Signal UK.
 

Jack said "I am looking to compete in the MRO Stocksport and Thundersport GP1 classes in 2009 and I also hope to combine that with some wildcard rides in the British Superstock championship during the year. I had my first test in the wet at Snetterton last weekend and the bike is fast so it all looks promising and can't thank Mike enough for giving me this opportunity. At the end of the day what championships I try to contest will come down to what funding is available and what is going on in the outside world. However, I am keen to help and coach Steph as much as I can, should she need it!"
 

Team Principal Steve Shepherd said "After the 'double' championship winning successes of Jack and Stephanie in 2008 for SS Racing we were looking forward to taking them both into the British Superbike paddock in 2009 in some shape or form. However, none of us could have predicted this financial crisis affecting all walks of life and we are lucky to have kept our main sponsors from 2008 Signal UK, Landscape Stone and Seldaw Cleaning.  In spite of the valued support from our main and many personal sponsors, we have had to scale back and even now we still do not have the budget to complete the 2009 season. However, we will do our best to get these two talented riders through the year and any additional support is welcome."
 

Highlights of the Triumph Triple Challenge will be screened on Motors TV in 2009.

Andy Wilkinson