RICHARD COOPER RETURNS TO 1000cc RACING AT 2026 BRIGGS EQUIPMENT NORTH WEST 200 WITH SMS NICHOLL OILS BMW

Seven times Briggs Equipment North West 200 winner, Richard Cooper, has added a new weapon to his arsenal for this year’s Race Week on May 4-9.

The 43 year old has announced he is to compete in the Amici Ristorante and CP Hire sponsored Superstock races on Thursday and Saturday with the SMS/Nicholl Oils team on a M1000RR BMW.

Cooper comes with a strong pedigree in the class as a two-time British Superstock champion. He also finished runner-up in the class during his NW200 debut in 2019.

His new SMS/Nicholl Oils team also has form in the class, having finished second in the British championship last year with David Allingham in the seat.

‘It’s a real late deal.’ Cooper smiled as he announced his new challenge.

‘I had a run out on the bike a few weeks ago and I was pretty comfortable. We are going to take it step by step and hopefully be there when it counts.’

‘Richard Cooper has been a very special recruit for the North West 200.’ NW200 race director, Mervyn Whyte said.

‘From the outset he has been a leading contender on the Triangle course, taking on the best road racers on the grid and pushing them to the limit. It is great news that he will return to the 1000cc class alongside his outings in the Supersport and Supertwin/Sportbike races this year.’