MIKE COOK: LOSS OF A LEGEND!

MIKE COOK: LOSS OF A LEGEND!

Mike Cook had spent a lifetime immersed in the British automotive industry as a PR and advertising executive, in the hobby as a racer, and later in his retirement as an archivist for Jaguar Land Rover. He passed away this week.

MIKE COOK: LOSS OF A LEGEND!MIKE COOK: LOSS OF A LEGEND!When I was a magazine editor in the 1960s and 1970s, I often interfaced with Mike Cook and regularly saw him at International Motor Press Association (IMPA) lunches and events. While my passion was Corvettes and high-performance American cars with big V8 engines, Mike had become the champion of British sports cars. On the surface it was “apples & oranges.” But we often spent time simply sharing car guy experiences.

In his retirement years he was responsible for archiving vintage Jaguar and Land Rover advertising, racing news and press materials. He became the go-to guy for journalists, collectors and enthusiasts researching the history of these storied brands. Without Mike and his endless enthusiasm for these vehicles and British car history, Jaguar Land Rover North America would not have the ability to serve the needs of the media as well as the hobby.

My son, Stuart Schorr, Vice-President Communications, Jaguar Land Rover North America, wrote the following tribute:

On Tuesday, November 27, Jaguar Land Rover lost a dear friend and passionate lifelong advocate, Michael Cook, to pneumonia at the age of 85. Mike had a storied career in advertising and public relations for a murderer’s row of British brands: Rover, Land Rover, Austin, MG, Jaguar and his beloved Triumph. He retired from Jaguar as Director of U.S. Public Relations in 1991.

 Up until this very week, Mike had been a constant, determined and cheerful fixture at the Jaguar Land Rover North American headquarters, running our JLR U.S. historical archives department, which he created with Karen Miller in the 1980s. For many of those years, Mike ran the Archives department like a carmakers’ skunk works operation: he was going to keep it going whether anyone officially knew about it or not. Mike personally kept the Rover and Land Rover (and Triumph) archival material at his home before anyone in the company ever thought it might be something we needed. Is there a stronger word than dedicated?

 A visit to the Archives or an email exchange with Mike quickly revealed the impressive depth of Mike’s knowledge and affection he had for these unique cars, and the people that made, marketed, raced and owned them. It was always a pleasure for Mike to assist someone, and a greater pleasure to be helped by him.

 In addition to his second career as Jaguar (and eventually Land Rover) archivist, Mike was prominent in the Jaguar and Triumph Club worlds, and a prolific author and editor of historical publications. Did I mention he was a racer himself and publicist for numerous Jaguar and Triumph racing teams? Talk about being a “car guy”!

 It’s one of those career clichés we often hear: Do something you love. Mike Cook loved working with our company and British automobiles so much that he dedicated his entire career to it. We are all honored to have worked with him, we thank him again, and we will miss him dearly.

 Mike passed away peacefully, in the company of his family, with his favorite Miles Davis playing in the background.

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Two Special Triumph Auctions At The 2018 Day Of Champions

Bit short notice, but it’s worth mentioning that there are two special Triumph auctions at the 2018 Day of Champions on Thursday, August 23rd. The unique experiences are open for bids as part of the annual event to kick off the British Grand Prix round, and raise money for Two Wheels for Life. The official charity of MotoGP and the FIM, it’s part of the group you might know as Riders, or Riders for Health. Founded by former racer Randy Mamola with Barry and Andrea Coleman, it provides large-scale vehicle support for medical teams across the world.

Two Special Triumph Auctions At The 2018 Day Of Champions

The auction is part of the attractions at Silverstone for the 2018 Day of Champions, with live music, stunt displays, exclusive British MotoGP paddock and pit lane tickets and more. A limited number of tickets are still available on the day from £20. Sadly it’s a bit late to get tickets for the official ride-in, which includes two laps of the circuit. But you can still enjoy everything from 9am to 8pm, with interviews featuring motorcycling stars. And the charity auction towards the end of the day

Lots of stuff is up for grabs, and among them are the two special Triumph auctions at the 2018 Day Of Champions. One of which is a private all-access tour at the Hinckley factory where the British motorcycles are created. But it’s not just a trip for the winning bidder – nine friends can also join them. And in addition to getting to look around the headquarters, you’ll also get to spend time with the official Triumph design team. So you can try to find out more about what they’ve got planned, and then drop us an email with any exclusive information!

The other auction lot is the chance to join Triumph on a Global Press Launch. It’s your chance to go on an all-expenses paid trip to southern Europe to be one of the first in the world to ride a new Triumph motorcycle. And the only member of the general public with that opportunity. Which would get you pretty big bragging rights. It does have the downside of putting up with members of the motorcycling press, but they’re generally not a bad lot.

So make sure you take your wallet or cheque book along with you to Silverstone for the 2018 Day of Champions. And if you’re going to the British MotoGP round on Sunday, you’ll get the chance to see the new Triumph Moto2 bike in action. Former World Superbike champion James Toseland will be riding the new race machine for the first ever public parade lap.

If you can’t make it to Silverstone, you can support Two Wheels for Life online. You can find out about fundraising, volunteering and donating via their website. And they also have a constant rotation of online auctions with exclusive MotoGP items, and the chance to meet riders and teams. For example, you can currently bid to be a special guest of Team Suzuki Ecstar and meet riders Andrea Iannone and Alex Rins at the Misano round. Or spend some cash to not only meet the MotoGP racers, but also come away with their boots, gloves, or Iannone’s rear seat cowl. So it’s worth taking a look at the Two Wheels for Life auction page regularly.

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Win Free Insurance With Approved Used Triumphs in July

Buying secondhand motorcycles is a lot of fun. But it can also be a bit stressful, which is why manufacturers have introduced approved, pre-owned schemes. It means you get a bit more peace of mind when you’re buying a bike previously ridden by someone else. And as a bonus, you can currently win free insurance with approved used Triumphs in July, 2018.

Buy an approved pre-owned Triumph from the Adventure, Roadsters and Modern Classics before the end of the month and you’ll automatically be entered into a prize draw. And three winners picked at random will be offered Triumph Insurance for 12 months, up to a value of £500. And if you’ve already got cover sorted, the offer will be valid for two years.

Win Free Insurance With Approved Used Triumphs - Like the 2016 Triumph Bonneville T120 and T120 Black

You can buy from the Approved Pre-Owned Triumph stock either online or through participating dealers. And there’s a list of checks which are carried about before a motorcycle is available.

All the Triumph motorcycles available as an approved used example will be under five years old from their first registration. And they’ll also have done no more than 25,000 miles.

To be included in the stock list, the bikes will also have received any service required within 1,000 miles or 3 months. And they’ll undergo a multi-point inspection and any rectification work required. So you get the benefit of a vehicle history and mileage check, a certified vehicle quality check, and full service history. The checks include the frame, suspension, steering, final drive, wheels and tyres. And a full engine diagnosis, exhaust system examination and electrical inspection.

Other benefits to the Approved Pre-Owned scheme include a one year MOT. Plus a one year unlimited mileage warranty, and a full year of Roadside Assistance just in case.

As a final incentive, Triumph TriStar Finance is also offering a 7.9% APR deal on the Pre-Owned range until the 31st July, 2018 as well.

Paul Lilly, general manager of Triumph Motorcycles UK and Ireland, commented: “With a comprehensive multi-point inspection and a quality & safety check by a qualified technician, we’re confident that each Approved Pre-owned motorcycle will perform like a factory fresh bike for its new owner for complete peace of mind.

So full checks, a finance offer, and the chance to win free insurance with approved used Triumphs in July. Not a bad way to celebrate summer, really?

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Entries Open For 2018 Triumph Advanced Apprentice Programme

Want to be paid to learn how to become a qualified motorcycle technician? Or know someone who does? Then let them know that applications are now open for the 2018 Triumph Advanced Apprentice Programme. And with 12 places available across the UK, no-one will want to miss the August 31st deadline.

The course will take a total of three years, working in an authorised Triumph dealership alongside the experienced staff. And the apprentices will learn theoretical and practical skills from routine maintenance to servicing and fault diagnosis.

Entries Open For 2018 Triumph Advanced Apprentice Programme Engine Work

As well as working in a Triumph dealership, you’ll also be attending the purpose-built training facility at the Leicestershire headquarters to learn even more. Over the three years, you’ll spend a total of 17 weeks split across three blocks – presumably once a year. So it’s basically an annual trip to the delights of Hinckley to find out more about how to build, fix and maintain Triumph motorcycles. But in addition to your wage as an apprentice, you’ll also get holiday pay. So you won’t just be looking forward to a training centre in Leicestershire each year.

Entries Open For 2018 Triumph Advanced Apprentice Programme

The end result is that three years of full-time employment will give you a recognised qualification in motorcycle maintenance. Some of the Triumph dealers with places available across the UK are Webbs of Peterborough, Bridge Motorcycles in Exeter, Triumph Plymouth, Norfolk Triumph and Lings Motorcycles in Ipswich.

Michael Niblett, After Sales Manager, Triumph Motorcycles UK & Ireland, said: “This is a fantastic way to get young people into the motorcycle industry. By handing the best talent in the country over to our experienced staff, we give them a fantastic grounding in motorcycle maintenance and a foundation for a great career. We look forward to welcoming the latest intake to our dealers across the country from September 2018.”

The deadline for applications is August 31st, 2018. But you’ll probably want to get started a bit earlier to try to claim one of the 12 places. And you don’t have to be under a certain age or studying to apply. The website for the 2018 Triumph Advanced Apprentice Programme asks for an interest in the motorcycle industry and Triumphs. Plus the ability to work as part of a team and be interested in computers and vehicle technology. And a willingness to provide excellent customer service and study hard.

The only qualifications listed as required as A-C grades in Maths, English and Science, but lower grades may be considered. You can find out more and apply on the Triumph Apprentice Programme website.

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2018 Triumph Bonneville T120 £500 Personalisation Offer

The modern 1200cc Bonnie is a decent and versatile motorcycle with classic looks. And if you’re thinking of purchasing one, there’s a 2018 Triumph Bonneville T120 £500 personalisation offer running until the end of March 2018. The deal means that you still pay the usual retail price, but you get a £500 contribution from Triumph to put towards accessories, clothing, finance or insurance from the manufacturer.

2018 Triumph Bonneville T120 £500 Personalisation Offer

So it’s not quite like £500 off the purchase price. But it works just as well if you were planning on buying from the range of official add-ons. And there’s more than 160 options to choose from. So that includes Vance & Hines chrome pea-shooter style slip-on silencers, leather stitched seats, chrome clutch, alternator and throttle body embellishers or a 4-bar Triumph tank badge.

Alternatively you can use it to buy from the range of official Triumph clothing, put it towards your bill from Triumph Insurance, or reduce your finance.

Paul Lilly, General Manager, Triumph Motorcycles UK & Ireland, said: “This is a great opportunity to add a personal touch to the timeless, iconic character of the Bonneville T120. Whether it is accessories, something from our branded clothing range or a contribution to insurance or finance, there has never been a better time to get on a new T120.”

2018 Triumph Bonneville T120 £500 Personalisation Offer 2

The 2018 Triumph Bonneville T120 will cost you £10,300 on the road, and comes with the latest 1200cc engine offering an increase in power. Max power is 79bhp at 6,550rpm, and max torque is 105 Nm at 3,100rpm. Plus you get modern goodies to compliment the more traditional style, which include ABS, ride-by-wire, traction control, two riding modes, LED lights, heated grips and even a USB charging socket. They didn’t have that in the 1960s.

It’s also a boost for the ‘standard’ T120 given the recent launch of a number of new models including the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster, and the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black. The 2018 Triumph Bonneville T120 £500 Personalisation Offer runs until the end of March 2018.

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