Factory Triumph BE1 rider Jason DiSalvo was the featured guest for Miller Motorsports Park’s second teleconference with riders of the World Superbike and Supersport Championships. DiSalvo began racing at age 4 and spent his teenage years in Europe; he was the youngest rider to compete in an FIM-sanctioned 125cc Grand Prix. In 1999, he came home to the U.S., competing during the past decade in nearly every AMA class, from 250cc GP to Superbike. At the time of this interview, DiSalvo had just returned from Portugal following his first test with the BE1 team.
Racing for Triumph: It all happened in a hurry. It was just a call out of the blue, on a Wednesday or Thursday. They had to have the decision by Friday, and I had to be on a plane to Portugal on Monday or Tuesday of the next week. I’m glad that my dad answered the phone.
Portimão test: The test was really good. We had a little bit of rain, but the first day was dry, so we got to learn the track. Portimão was the most difficult track I’ve ever had to learn—so much elevation and little technical things in each corner. Certain sections seem like two different tracks. You might have a really fast and flowing section with a bit of elevation thrown in and then have another turn that’s very flat and sort of stop-and-go like an American-style track. Last 5–10 minutes of the final session, I was finally starting to pick up the track and do some respectable times. That was really a big hurdle for me; it’s been quite a few years since I’ve had to learn a lot of new tracks in one season.
Triumph 675: I’d never ridden a Triumph before the test. Honestly, I was blown away by the performance of the bike; it’s got the torque of a Twin, but it doesn’t fall off on top. It continues to make power up to some pretty high rpm. It’s a lot of fun to ride. The bike feels very, very light. Handling is also really good—unbelievable, really. We’re still working to find a good setting—spring rates, compression damping, stuff like that. There have been times in my career when I wish I could have had that bike; there’s a lot of potential. Rules are a bit more open than in AMA racing, especially for electronics. Working with the crew and my data guy is more reminiscent of working on the Superbike in 2007 and ’08 than any Supersport platform that I’ve ridden in the past. The detail and level of the electronics package that the Triumph team uses is pretty advanced. I’m working to tailor the package to my style, as well as learn how to work with the team and face the different challenges that are going to come up during the season.
BE1 Team: The team’s really good, really professional. They are mostly Italian, based near Milan. There was a bit of a language barrier. The first and second day was a little bit rocky on communication, but the third day we got things nailed down. There were very clear, open channels for data to flow between the riders. Being that I’m new to everything—tires, tracks and bike—that was really helpful to me. It was a really good work environment, and I think it’s going to produce some good results for the team. As far as the team structure, I’m not 100 percent familiar with it yet. But everything seems to be quite well run, as far as the technical side of things. The parts and technology and knowledge are all readily available. The level feels the same as any other factory or factory-backed team that I’ve ridden for in the past. I think Chaz Davies is going to be great teammate. He was able to offer some pretty helpful insights on the bike and track. We spent a lot of time together, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Triumph seems to be really excited about having an American racing over there in World Supersport. An opportunity to go tour the factory in England would be fantastic, and that’s something I want to do this year.
World Supersport competition: The fastest guys are at a similar level to the guys I’ve been racing. The depth, really, is where I think I’m going to see the biggest changes. In America, we had four guys who were that fast. Over there, everyone was on such a high pace and capable of doing such quick lap times. I think the competition is going to be really, really fierce. I’ve always enjoyed close racing. I come from a dirt-track background, and it’s typically wheel-to-wheel, bar to bar in the corners. It’s going to be more of the same this year. I feel the Triumph is going to be suited to Miller Motorsports Park. I’m definitely excited to race in my home country, to represent my country. I really want to get a good result. Being the only American rider in World Supersport will be added incentive to get on the box.
Pirelli tires: They were really good. I was very impressed with the level of grip; I didn’t reach the limits. I’m looking forward to working with the Pirelli technicians. At Portimão, I walked away from the test feeling like I should have done more on the technical side, working with different compounds, testing different tires. That’s high on my priority list for the next test at Phillip Island.
Training regimen: When I’m here in New York, I switch from cycling to running and some other stuff, like racquetball. More than anything, I ride dirtbikes as long as I can. One of the local guys set me up with some ice tires, and I’ve been going out every day riding two to three hours a day on the ice and just having a blast. I hadn’t ridden on the ice in about a decade. We’re throwing some serious lean angle on those tires, and they were sticking really well.
Future: Right now, I’m just playing it by ear. I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity with Triumph. It’s always been one of my dreams to race again in Europe. I want to see what kind of results I can get this year and then see if that turns any heads. I feel like I have the equipment to do it. I just want to get results. That’s really all I’m focused on right now.
