Jamie Coward Returns To NW200 With Factory Triumph And BMW Power After Three-Year Absence

Yorkshireman Jamie Coward and his KTS Racing team will return to the 2025 Briggs Equipment North West 200 race week on May 5-10 after a three year absence.

The 34 year old claimed his first podium result around the 8.9 mile Triangle in 2019 when he finished runner-up to Stefano Bonetti in the opening Supertwin battle. Alongside a seventh place Superstock result that year, Coward also impressed in the opening Supersport race, trailing in just a second behind Michael Dunlop to take fifth place.

Following the Covid break, Coward continued his assault on the top placings at Portrush in 2022 as he enjoyed a brace of fifth place finishes in the Supersport and Supertwin races alongside a top ten result in the Superstock division. The Hebden Bridge racer will be aiming to pick up where he left off on that last visit come May as he makes a welcome return to the event aboard factory supported Triumph machinery in the Supersport class.

Impressed by his fourth place finish on the KTS Racing Triumph Street Triple 765 in the second Supersport TT last June, the Macadam Triumph Factory Racing team have stepped in to partner with Coward and his KTS Racing squad in the class for 2025.

‘I’m made up with the Triumph deal and can’t quite believe it to be honest.’ Coward says.

‘When you start your career you always dream of factory support but I didn’t think I’d get to that level. I’m looking forward to getting on the new bike and equally looking forward to coming back to the North West. It’s a circuit I’ve always enjoyed and also had good results at so with support from Triumph we should be even closer to the front. I’m super excited to get going.’

KTS Racing team owner, Kevin Watret, echoed Coward’s positivity.

“We’re obviously delighted to be continuing our partnership with Jamie as we’ve enjoyed some superb results over the last few years.’ he said.

‘We’re equally thrilled to now be the official Triumph team on the roads. Since the formation of KTS Racing in 2019, we have strived for an opportunity like this and it’s great to see our efforts being rewarded. Last year was our first with the Triumph triple, and with factory support and the combined expertise of our teams, we’re optimistic for a great season ahead.”

‘The KTS team has a wealth of experience on the roads, while the Macadam team has developed a fantastic package with the Street Triple 765 during their British Supersport campaign, so they compliment each other perfectly.’ Said Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer at Triumph Motorcycles.

‘It is a major boost to have a road racer of Jamie’s calibre back at the NW200 and fantastic news that he will be representing Triumph with the KTS Racing team.’ NW200 Race Director, Mervyn Whyte, said.

‘To have official factory machinery on the grid is a very significant development for the event.’

Coward’s KTS Racing squad will also be supported by Armoy businessman, Stanley Stewart as he makes the switch from the Honda machinery he raced in the Superbike and Superstock classes during 2024 to an ex-Josh Brookes BMW for this season. Coward last rode a BMW in 2018 as part of the Penz13.com team whilst recent performances on the Honda have seen him take four top six finishes at the Isle of Man TT where he is now the tenth fastest rider around the Mountain Course.

Coward will be aiming to better those results aboard the BMW M 1000 RR.

‘As a team we sat down to evaluate our options and agreed that BMW was the best way forward and the best package to be on at the international road races.’ he explained.

‘When you look at the lap speeds, especially the speed trap figures, the BMW has that extra edge which should be to our benefit at the NW200. It also suits taller riders better so I’m looking forward to testing it in preparation for the NW200.”

‘We believe there’s more to achieve in the 1000cc races which is why we’ve switched to BMW..’ Watret added.

‘The results speak for themselves – BMW is consistently at the sharp end in terms of race wins and lap speeds. We’re confident Jamie can improve further and get even closer to the front runners in the Superbike and Superstock races. Since 2022, we’ve progressed year after year, and we aim to continue that trend.’

Supersport TT qualifying – Jamie Coward (KTS Racing Stanley Stewart Racing Triumph) – Isle of Man TT 2024