Buildbase BMW Motorrad rider Richard Cooper secures the Superstock 1000 title at Silverstone.

Nottinghamshire rider Richard Cooper has won the 2011 Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship at the penultimate round. Cooper qualified in pole position for the race at Silverstone – a race that he had a 45.5-point lead heading into. Despite a poor start, which saw him drop back to 20th position, Cooper fought his way back through the pack to finish sixth, overtaking 14 riders on his way to the championship victory. With a 46.5-point lead and a maximum of 25 points available from the final round at Brands Hatch, Cooper has secured the title.

Richard Cooper said: “I’m feeling relieved! That was the hardest race of my life and definitely the worst start of my life! But I fought back from 20th to sixth, all the while nervous of braking too hard or opening the throttle too fast. It’s a big result for me and for the Buildbase BMW Motorrad team.

“I’d like to thank BMW Motorrad for giving me the opportunity to ride their S 1000 RR these past two years, for helping me cure my arm pump and helping us win this championship. I look forward to the final round at Brands Hatch where I hope we can round off the season with another podium finish.”

Barry Burrell, the team’s BSB-EVO rider, took a third and fourth place in the day’s two EVO races, which leaves him in third place in the highly competitive series. Lee Jackson, riding the team’s Superbike-spec BMW S 1000 RR, brought his bike home in 23rd and 26th places.

Stuart Hicken, team principal, said: “It’s been a very, very good weekend for us. We’d hoped that Richard and Barry would defend their championship positions – which we’ve achieved – but we’re also leaving with the Superstock 1000 title in the bag. Richard didn’t make it easy, but he delivered the title with a race still to run. We’d like to thank everyone involved for their support with taking Richard’s first ever title and BMW Motorrad’s second consecutive Superstock 1000 title.

“Barry delivered two more impressive results, a third and a fourth, while Lee has improved on his recent finishes, improved his lap times all weekend while also delivering very useful feedback which will prove to be very useful with the ongoing development of our S 1000 RRs.”

The final round of the year, Brands Hatch, takes place in two weeks time.



Superstock 1000 championship standings

1) 190.5pts – Richard Cooper (Buildbase BMW Motorrad)
2) 144pts - Danny Buchan (MSS Kawasaki)
3) 130pts - Luke Quigley (Astro BMW)
4) 116pts - Tristan Palmer (GBMoto Honda)
5) 104pts - Howie Mainwaring (MSS Kawasaki)

BSB-EVO championship standings

1) 403pts - Glen Richards (WFR Honda)
2) 321pts - Graeme Gowland (WFR Honda)
3) 290pts - Barry Burrell (Buildbase BMW Motorrad)
4) 246pts - Patric Muff (Tyco Honda)
5) 228pts - Scott Smart (Moto Rapido Ducati)


Vines BMW Bikes

Vines Motorrad have branches in Guildford and Caterham, Surrey. Keep up with news, offers and events by following us on Twitter @VinesBMWBikes and on Facebook.

Labels: 2011 Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship, Barry Burrell, Buildbase BMW Motorrad, Richard Cooper, S 1000 RR