Formidable on Super Twins machinery at Scarborough, Preston’s Darren Cooper who’s mixed it with International roads stars a plenty on more than one occasion, at England’s sole closed roads course, is the next racer to take part in Road Racing News growing in popularity Oliver’s Mount Top 8 series.
2017 Super Twins Manx GP winner, his answers to the Scarborough themed set of questions are as follows:
Q1: First memory of Oliver’s Mount?
“I was 17 and mechanic for Ian Harrison of Mistral Racing (who later encouraged me to start racing myself).
I remember changing the jetting on his RS250 Honda after he’d done a plug chop in morning practice, think he borrowed a fancy ECU off John McGuinness’ Vimto Honda during that meeting too.”
Q2: Favourite part about racing at the mount?
“I love the atmosphere at Scarborough, the people, the spectators, the marshals and although they get bad press the organisers and staff at Auto 66 where very kind to me over the years.”
Q3: Favourite section of Scarborough course?
“I love the whole circuit but the back straight is mega. I have a little passing spot I like to use there, also love braking hard into Mountside Hairpin.”
Q4: Best moment thus far at Scarborough?
“Best moment was during the 2017 Gold Cup when I finished 6th in the David Jefferies Cup on the 600. I was lapping in the 1.49’s which was a great achievement. Also I’ve had some good Super Twin races with a few podium finishes.”
Q5: All time Scarborough racing hero?
“Probably Dave Jefferies, the guy was ace to watch.”
Q6: Is there one machine in particular that you would like to race at Scarborough?
“I’d say Ian Harrison’s RS250 Honda from 1997.”
Q7: One word to describe Oliver’s Mount?
“Roller coaster.”
Q8: Most respected racing rival at Scarborough?
“Mike Norbury, on a good day he’d be a front running contender for sure, we’ve had a couple of good battles.”
Words by Stevie Rial