COOPER’S REVENGE

North West 200 News

Twelve months ago Richard Cooper’s North West 200 dream turned into a nightmare when the Nottingham racer’s Supertwin double was cancelled out because of a technical infringement on his KMR Kawasaki.

The Englishman unexpectedly rejoined the Dungannon bike builder in a last minute deal for this year’s event after the Bathams R7 Yamaha he had intended to race failed to materialise. Both Twins races were run on Saturday and Cooper dominated, setting a new lap record at 112.251mph to win the first encounter as he led local racers Paul Jordan (Prez Racing Kawasaki) and Adam McLean (JMcC Roofing Kawasaki) home.

McLean repeated his third place performance in the second event with 59 year old Jeremy McWilliams (Bayview Paton) finishing second, 4.8 seconds behind Cooper who had finally cancelled out the disappointment of 12 months ago.

“I had moved on but it was more difficult for Ryan.” Cooper explained.

“I told him the only way to get over it was to win so this is for Ryan and his family and I want to see a smile on his face.”

Cooper also enjoyed two podium finishes in the 600cc races with the BPE/Russell Racing Yamaha squad, finishing third in the Thursday race behind Davey Todd and Alastair Seeley before pushing Todd hard as he finished second in Saturday’s race.