BSB: Richard Cooper to contest BMW F 900 R Cup with FHO Racing

Richard Cooper will contest the inaugural BMW F 900 R Cup season after joining forces with FHO Racing.

2023 marks Cooper’s full-time return to the British paddock since his season-ending injury in the Superbike class at Donington in 2020. The two-time National Superstock Champion made wildcard appearances last season, podiuming in both Superstock and Supersport classes.

“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,” Cooper said.

“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.”

Cooper lines-up alongside Kate Walker in the new BMW support class. Walker moves into the BSB paddock from Thundersport GB, joining fellow female FHO Racing racers Holly Harris, Jamie Hanks-Elliot, Scarlett Robinson, and Denise Dal Zotto (Junior Supersport).

“The main different for me now, I guess is my outlook into racing, Cooper continued. “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.”

Cooper will make his debut on the F 900 R on the final day of the official Bennetts British Superbike Championship test at Silverstone on March 29. Round one follows at the Northamptonshire circuit on April 7-9.

“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,” Team Owner, Faye Ho added. “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.”

The BMW F 900 R Cup replaces the Ducati Tri-Options class within the BSB paddock. The series will run a US Supercross-style format, with cash prizes up for grabs at each round. The winner of the championship will receive a BMW S1000 RR.