Dan Cooper will ride Kawasaki machinery at the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races, competing for Tsingtao WK Racing.
Cooper will make the switch after his partnership with Centurion Racing was forced to an end following the team’s decision not to race in 2014.
Cooper will ride MSS performance built machines in all classes, except for the Lightweight TT, where he will ride the WK650i, making his debut in the Lightweight category. The team will also use MSS built equipment in their British Superbike campaign.
Cooper’s TT debut came in 2010, with his highest result coming in the 2013 Supersport Race 1, finishing tenth overall. However, he has a podium on the Mountain Course to his name, scoring a top-three result in the 350cc race at the inaugural Classic TT in 2013.
“I am now able to relax a bit after getting the deal all sorted, and want to thank Dave and his team for the opportunity to ride in 2014,” said Cooper. “Their bikes will be competitive and we will also look to do as many Supersport rounds as I can to ensure that I’m ready for the roads. This is a real opportunity for me to move forward knowing that after a great relationship with Centurion I am in that family orientated team again with guys I know. Taking my mechanic Alan will also help the team as well as myself has he has so much experience. I can’t wait to get testing and meet the rest of the BSB squad.”
“We are really please to have completed Dan’s signing,” added Tsingtao WK Racing team manager, Dave Tyson. “It’s been on the cards since Motorcycle Live in November and to finally sit down and agree a deal has been great. I am sure all the bikes will be competitive this year and we are looking to form a relationship with Dan similar to the one he had at Centurion and work with him over the next few years. I think consistency of team and rider at road events has proven to be key over the years and I am sure it won’t be long before Dan is on the podium at the TT.”
