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Buildbase Suzuki’s Richard Cooper will swap his superstock-spec GSX-R1000 for a superbike this weekend at Assen, when he joins teammates Bradley Ray and Luke Stapleford on the grid for round ten of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
Cooper – who was crowned the 2019 National Superstock 1000 Champion at Oulton Park after taking two race wins – finished fifth on a Buildbase Suzuki GSX-R1000 superbike at Assen last season, before winning the final BSB race of 2018 at Brands Hatch.
After wrapping up his championship, the experienced Nottinghamshire rider is looking forward to racing with reduced pressure this weekend and two good outings at the Dutch circuit.
Richard Cooper, “I’m looking forward to a no-pressure weekend at Assen, and a chance to ride the superbike again and enjoy myself. The team had a good weekend at Oulton and have made steps forward with the bike again, so I’m looking forward to seeing where it’s at. But the main thing for me is to enjoy the races. Everyone is well up to speed now in BSB but if we can work well through free practice then hopefully we can have two good races.”
Team manager, Steve Hicken, added, “Richard’s had an amazing season so far and had done a brilliant job to secure his championship with two rounds to spare. With no superstock action at Assen, it’s an opportunity for him to enjoy a more relaxed weekend with no pressure and race the superbike for us. It’s also good for us to hear his feedback, as someone with lots of experience that’s also raced the GSX-R in superbike trim, too. Special thanks to Powerslide Motorcycles for their support and making this wildcard possible.”
Superbike regulars Ray and Stapleford, buoyed by a return to the podium for Ray and improved pace for Stapleford at Oulton Park, will be looking to continue the positive run of form at Assen.
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