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Cooper tops two classes in first NW200 qualifying
TL;DR
Richard Cooper achieved the fastest average lap speeds in both the Superbike and Supersport qualifying sessions at the North West 200. He recorded a top speed of 110.843mph despite challenging weather conditions.
Key points
- Richard Cooper topped both Superbike and Supersport qualifying sessions
- He recorded a top speed of 110.843mph
- The qualifying session was affected by changeable weather
- Cooper's lap time was 35 seconds slower than the class record
- The lap record is held by Glenn Irwin from 2024
SMS/Nicholl Oils BMWRichard CooperGlenn IrwinNorth West 200
Richard Cooper set the fastest average lap speeds in both the Superbike and Supersport qualifying sessions at a weather-affected first qualifying session for the North West 200 on Wednesday.
Cooper adapted to the changeable conditions best to top the timesheets on a day of sunshine and showers on the Triangle circuit on the north coast of Northern Ireland.
Riding the SMS/Nicholl Oils BMW that he acquired in a last-minute deal before the event, Cooper recorded a speed of 110.843mph to finish quickest in the premier Superbike class.
To emphasise the testing nature of the track conditions, the Nottingham rider's lap time of four minutes 51.332 seconds was almost 35 seconds slower than the class lap record of 125.779 set by Glenn Irwin on his most recent appearance in 2024.
Northern Ireland rider Paul Jordan was second on the Superbike leaderboard at 109.859, followed by Honda Racing's Dean Harrison with 109.626.
Irwin, Peter Hickman and Mike Browne rounded out the top six leaderboard.
"I managed to get a couple of laps in the relative dry. The bike is new for me so every lap is important," said Cooper after the hour-long session.
Seven-time North West winner Cooper followed that up by registering the quickest speed in the Supersport category on his next generation Yamaha R9 at 111.016mph, four minutes 50.877 seconds.
Cooper has two Supersport victories to his name at the meeting and has been on the podium in the past six editions of the middleweight class.
Jeremy McWilliams was second fastest on his CD Racing Kawasaki, the 62-year-old using all his experience to occupy a provisional front row spot ahead of Thursday's second qualifying session.
McWilliams secured a ride on that machine just days before the meeting.
Harrison was next on 109.214, followed by Hickman, Alastair Seeley and Ian Hutchinson.
Q&A
What were Richard Cooper's lap times at the NW200 qualifying?
Richard Cooper recorded a lap time of four minutes 51.332 seconds during the NW200 qualifying.
How fast did Richard Cooper go in the Superbike class at NW200?
Richard Cooper achieved a top speed of 110.843mph in the Superbike class at the NW200.
What challenges did riders face during the NW200 qualifying?
Riders faced changeable weather conditions, including sunshine and showers, during the NW200 qualifying session.
Who holds the lap record for the Superbike class at NW200?
The lap record for the Superbike class at NW200 is held by Glenn Irwin, with a time of 125.779 seconds set in 2024.
