Following a great second place finish in the second Super Twins race at the Vauxhall International North West 200, Dan Cooper is in my opinion a dark horse for Lightweight TT success.
A twice top six finisher on 650 machinery on the Mountain Course, the former Privateers champion in recent years has developed into one of pure road racing’s leading exponents of Super Twins machinery.
Ulster GP victory, front running challenges at the Scarborough Gold Cup, alongside his recent maiden North West rostrum finish, underline this notion applied to the Stroud based rider.
Photo by Rod Neill
Set to pilot his own teams CMS/SB Tuning backed ER6 Kawasaki, could TT 2017 be the scene of his first TT Races podium finish?
It’s an extremely distinctive possibility for Dan, who is regarded amongst pure road racing’s fastest rising stars.
Alongside the Lightweight class, TT 2017 also sees him as one to watch in the Monster Energy Supersport, RST Superbike, Royal London 360 Quantum Superstock and Pokerstars Senior races, aboard high spec CBR 600RR Honda and S1000RR BMW machinery.
It wouldn’t at all be a surprise to see him secure a second Privateers championship crown, having previously wrapped up the prestigious honour in 2013.
Words by Stevie Rial