FHO Racing is pleased to announce that former two-time National Superstock 1000 Champion Richard Cooper will join the team for 2023 as he will race in the all-new BMW F 900 R Cup with Faye Ho’s BMW-backed squad.
This season will be the first time Richard has been back full-time in the British series after a crash in 2020 at Donington Park ruled him out of the season. Taking some time away from racing following the incident, Richard enjoyed some wildcard rounds last season, which saw him return to the podium in the Superstock and Supersport classes.
Richard claimed the National Superstock 1000 Championship title in 2011 and 2019 and is a familiar name in the British Superbike paddock having first made his debut in 2001, in the British Junior Supersport class.
Alongside his racing commitments with FHO Racing this year, Richard will be working closely with his teammate Kate Walker in the BMW F 900 R Cup, as she makes her debut in the British series.
Richard will be in action for the first time on the BMW F 900 R at the final day of the official Bennetts British Superbike Championship test at Silverstone on Wednesday 29 March, with Round 1 taking place at the Northamptonshire circuit across the Easter Weekend (7-9 April).
To find out more about the all-new BMW F 900 R Cup click here.
Richard Cooper:
“The deal for this season came about quite late in the day, but I’m happy we managed to get something sorted and turned around quickly, where I’m able to join an established team like FHO Racing. The F 900 R Cup will be an exciting series to get stuck into, the main thing is that my input is equal to what I would be putting into a National Championship class – I’m coming into this to win races.
The main different for me now, I guess is my outlook into racing. I want to enjoy weekends, race with a smile on my face and give something back to the younger talent coming through like Kate [Walker]. I’ve raced in various one-make series before and they’re classes I seem to excel in, which I think is down to my ability to adapt to different bikes quickly. I’d like to thank Faye and the team for this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to getting the season started.”
Faye Ho – Team Principal:
“It’s great to have Richard joining the team in the BMW F 900 R Cup, I think he’ll be a great addition to FHO Racing and especially working alongside Kate. His experience in the paddock, bike set-up and general race craft will be a huge benefit to Kate as she moves up into the British Championship.
Richard is a former two-time Superstock champion; he’s a trusted pair of hands and we all know what he’s capable of. I believe we’re in for an exciting season with him onboard and I think he’ll keep everyone in the class on their toes.”
