Damp squib end to season for Hucknall racer Cooper

Damp weather conditions made the weekend's MCE Superbikes racing at Brands Hatch one of the most incident-prone to date as Hucknall rider Richard Cooper's season ended with a damp squib.
Richard Cooper in final round action at Brands HatchRichard Cooper in final round action at Brands Hatch
Richard Cooper in final round action at Brands Hatch

Following a series of collisions race one was red-flagged on the third lap and a further two calls to stop the race were made as heavy rain affected the circuit.

Cooper suffered a crash, while Buildbase BMW team mate Lee Jackson took a top 10 finish.

Race two started with a drying circuit and the Lincolnshire rider had a strong race, crossing the line in 13th, while team mate Cooper retired from the race.

The final race of the season saw yet another red flag, due to an incident which left oil on the circuit.

A 10-lap restart saw a frantic rush for the front. However, it wasn’t to be for the red and white BMW team mates as Jackson retired and Cooper took the last point scoring place.

Cooper said: “I was massively disappointed to end such a strong season the way we did.

“The team have worked so hard all year and deserved to be in the Showdown firstly, but that wasn’t possible.

“To then try to win the rider’s cup and be the top BMW team was next on our list, but it wasn’t to be unfortunately.

“We just didn’t have luck on our side at the weekend and that’s how racing goes sometimes. It’s true what they say, we win together and we lose together.

“I would like to thank all the team for their efforts and all the sponsors that make it happen and especially Stuart and Steve for believing in me and giving me the opportunity this year.”

Team manager Steve Hicken said: “With Taylor we chose a full dry tyre which proved to be the right choice. It was just a shame the race was shortened, or it would have paid off.

“Overall we had a good season in the Superbike class, unfortunately it’s not quite how we wanted to end the year.

“But we have one more race at Mallory Park Circuit this coming weekend, the Race of the Year event, where the full team will be riding.

“We are all looking forward to it. Thank you to our three riders, Lee, Richard and Taylor for their efforts this year, and finally may I take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our sponsors for their continued help and support throughout the season.

“We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them. We are already looking forward to the 2017 season.”