Dixon joins Gowland at title winning Smiths Triumph in BSS

2014 British Supersport title contender Graeme Gowland is set to remain with the Smiths Triumph team that took him to third in the title in 2014 for the upcoming season. The Northerner will be joined by Jake Dixon, who takes over the seat vacated by Superbike-bound defending champion Billy McConnell.

Gowland, a former Spanish Supersport champion, was unlucky to lose out in 2014, holding a lead in the title for most of the season only to get pipped at the flag by both teammate McConnell and Alastair Seeley. But having come so close to victory this year, his goals for 2015 are clear cut.

“We had a great year and to come so close to winning the title this season was bitterly disappointing so the sole focus for 2015 is to win the British Supersport Championship and retain the title for Smiths and Triumph. It’s as simple as that! It’s a really great family atmosphere and both sides of the garage help each other so hopefully we can hit the ground running and have a strong season in 2015.”

He’ll be joined by 18 year old Jake Dixon, who finished the 2014 season in eighth despite a year of torrid luck on the Appleyard Macadam Yamaha. Now mentored by MCE BSB champion Shane Byrne, the Dover rider is aware of the opportunity he’s been presented with.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me and it’s one I intend grasping so I can’t wait to get started. I go racing to win so the championship is the goal and with a team that has won two titles in three years, I have every opportunity. The Triumph is a proven winner and I’ve gained some good experience over the past couple of seasons, as well as upping my training, so I want to be able to challenge from the very first round.”

The team will continue to be supported by Triumph, with support straight from the manufacturer’s Hinckley factory, as confirmed this week at Motorcycle live at the NEC by Triumph general manager Rick Cawley.

“We’re delighted to be working with Smiths for the 2015 season, which will be our fifth year with the team. We have a great relationship with the guys and are looking forward to working closely with this new partnership of Graeme and Jake. Last season’s win was testament to the racing pedigree of our Daytona 675R machine, which has been supported by our engineering team based at Hinckley.”