Centurion Racing have confirmed their participation in this year's Isle of Man TT event, with Dan Cooper leading their challenge.
The Cornwall-based squad has achieved success in its five-year spell in the British Supersport Championship and has set its sights on success in the world famous road race in its centenary year.
Team Principal Paul Rees is confident that his rider will be strong on the TT course this year, and expects him to be even quicker than he was in his impressive debut visit to the Isle of Man.
“Dan competed in his first TT race last year and was awarded the acclaimed Bronze TT Replica for his race performance. He has a smooth riding style and steely determination which has always impressed me and which is a good combination for the rugged TT circuit.”
“He’s been working hard on his fitness which should stand him in good stead for this year’s races and hopefully he will be able to build on his maiden success from last year. There are many professional riders that won’t take on the challenge of this ultimate road race but TT riders have something special about them and they love this circuit.”
“Personally I think to undertake the TT you have to be a bit brave and mad to do it, but you need to be a good rider! I’d just like to thank the organisers of the TT who have been brilliant and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Cooper is a former British 125cc Champion and has represented Centurion Racing in the British Supersport Championship in recent years. The 24-year-old will ride a Triumph 675 Daytona in the Supersport class and a Honda Fireblade in the Superstock and Senior TT races.
The Stroud rider is also expecting an improvement from 12 months ago, and is hoping to follow in the footsteps of some of the famous names that have graced the famous event over the years.
“I rode there last year and thought it was brilliant so I couldn’t wait for it to come round again. This year should be even better as I have gained more confidence, consistency and speed and have the support of Centurion Racing.”
“The TT circuit is truly awesome, especially the organisation and safety measures that the organisers have established. You never stop learning on this circuit no matter how many times you go round. There are more senior, well respected riders out there who have been doing this race for years like John McGuinness, Ian Hutchinson, Conor Cummins, Michael Dunlop and Guy Martin to mention a few, who are constantly adjusting their styles, techniques and are forever learning the circuit. So basically, I have a lot to learn and a lot of catching up to do but it should be good.”
Centurion Racing will also continue to show their support for Help for Heroes, their chosen charity, by displaying H4H logos on the bikes’ new livery designed by Rage Designs and team attire. Dan’s race helmet has been kindly donated by Arai and will be a one-off design by RichArt showing both the H4H and IOM TT logos.
Rees, who spent 20 years in Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Commandos, was given permission to have the bikes carry the H4H logos in order to encourage the public to be more aware of this charity that supports our Armed Forces, many of whom are making daily sacrifices in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“We are delighted to be supporting Dan and Centurion Racing at the TT. Anything that helps the public to become more aware of the Help for Heroes charity we are happy to support and wish Dan and the team the very best of luck at the TT”, commented Wendy Hearn of Arai.
