Multiple Pirelli National Superstock champion Richard Cooper will make a welcome return to the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship this weekend for the final round of the season at Brands Hatch (14/15/16 October), joining BPE Yamaha by Russell Racing.
Cooper brings to the team a wealth of experience from across the British Championship classes, claiming victories in Bennetts BSB, Supersport and three titles in the Superstock series.
The Nottingham-based rider last lined up on the Supersport grid in 2013, where he claimed a victory and a second place in the final round of the season on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.
Cooper said: “This weekend I feel like I’m stepping out of my comfy Superstock slippers for something a little more sporty! Supersport is a class that I’ve always watched and wanted to return to at some point since I last rode in the championship back in 2013.
“The Russell Racing team contacted me about riding their bike and knowing that Ian Hutchinson had previously ridden the bike at Oulton Park as well as the TT and NW200, I knew it was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.
“Together we looked at what races we could possibly do and Brands Hatch GP was on top of my list for obvious reasons. I really don’t know what to expect results wise, but like always I’ll give one hundred percent effort and aim to enjoy every minute.”
Team Owner Alister Russell commented: “We are really excited to have a rider of the calibre of Richard on the BPE Yamaha R6 in the Supersport class this weekend. His pedigree speaks for itself, a BSB race winner, Superstock champion and the rest - he's a class act.
“Our R6 is built to the highest specification and we are confident it can be competitive with a rider like Richard on board. British Supersport is a very tough class, but we have high hopes for the weekend, so we will look to hit the ground running from free practice and see what we can achieve."