Richard Cooper switches to a Suzuki Superbike for Assen

In what’s becoming a bit of a tradition Richard Cooper switches to a Suzuki Superbike for Assen this weekend. But in a change from previous years, he’s doing it as the newly-crowned British Superstock champion.

Back in 2017, we mentioned he would ride a retro-themed GSX-R Bennetts Suzuki alongside then team-mates Sylvain Guintoli and Taylor Mackenzie. At the time he had an outside chance at the title, which was led and eventually won by Danny Buchan.

2018 saw him race full-time in the BSB championship for Buildbase Suzuki, taking one of his best result of the season in the second race in Holland. He went on to record a victory at the final round at Brands Hatch.

This year he’s already taken the 2019 National Superstock 1000 Champion after taking two race wins at Oulton Park. So he’ll once again be on the superbike, riding the Buildbase Suzuki GSX-R1000 alongside Bradley Ray and Luke Stapleford.

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.”

It’s a positive time for the team, with Cooper’s championship victory, Ray returning to the podium for the first time this season, and Stapleford improving his form as the year has continued.