When you think of local motorbike racing, Dan Cooper is a massive figure in the racing industry. We’ve been supporting Dan as a sponsor for some time now, so we caught up with him to discuss how his events have gone so far this year, as well as an update on his racing career.
Image credit: Neil Jones
Who is the man in the helmet?
The successful Dan Cooper has many accolades to his name after years of motorcycle racing, nationally and internationally. The 32 year old from Stroud, Gloucestershire has enjoyed a successful career, winning his first senior race back in 2002 at the Prembury Circuit. Cooper’s obsession for racing came from owning his own mini-moto at the age of 11. After spending countless hours practicing in fields and on local circuits, he began to test his skills among other mini-moto drivers. To his surprise, his first few events were a success with him winning the Southern Mini-Moto Championships in 2000.
As a reward for his efforts and determination, Dan’s father gifted him with his first race bike in 2000, which was a Honda RS125R GP. His father obviously saw a real spark in Dan and had the pleasure of seeing him grow throughout the years into a successful competitive rider.
Dan’s successes so far:
The Isle Of Man TT is one of the hardest and most prestigious motor competitions in Europe. Many have tried and failed on the dangerous and tricky circuit. In 2015, Cooper came home victorious following receiving his Isle Of Man privateers award on the small Island. After five years of competing in the national event, he finally had something to place in his trophy cabinet.
The win inspired Cooper to start his own racing team, Dan Cooper Motorsport, which he has been running ever since. A brave and courageous move to step away from the larger factory team and become an independent. It hasn’t all been plain sailing as initially Dan found balancing the commitments of running a team, working on the bikes and gaining the required sponsorship was a full time commitment – when he already had a full time job in the family building company! However, he has now found a balance that works.
Dans achievements include winning the British 125GP Championship back in 2006, which was when he began to pick up momentum and get a name for himself in the motorcycle racing industry. His career accolades also lists Ulster Grand Prix Lightweight race win, North West 200 podium, a top five Isle Of Man TT finish.
Why did Dan choose to partner with WMB?
Dan Cooper is a well known rider in the Gloucestershire area and a good friend of our co-founder, Paul Lusty.
Dan had this to say about his partnership with WMB:
“WMB are a great company to be involved with, as they take so much pride in what they do. They have great attention to detail and keep all of their equipment in an immaculate condition. As we share similar values it was a no brainer to partner with a company who holds similar beliefs to mine. I take great care and detail in preparing my machines like they do with their trucks. I am proud to be involved with them.”
