Stroud rider Dan Cooper and the Cornwall-based Centurion Racing team enjoyed a great day at the Isle of Man TT Races today when they finished in 27th and 35th respectively in the Supersport and Superstock races. The results, which included a new personal best lap for Dan of 119.199mph, also saw him pick up two bronze replicas, the first ones he has won.

The Monster Energy Supersport 1 race saw Dan post an opening lap in excess of 117mph but the race was stopped due to an accident on lap two. The team made a few adjustments to the front end of the Triumph machine before he lined up for the shortened three-lap race. This time, his opening lap was 115.863mph to put him in 31st place as he opted to pit for fuel at the end of the lap which dropped him down to 35th. However, with the third and final lap being the only flying lap of the race, he was looking to move back up the order and a superb lap of 118.055mph saw him do just that and he crossed the line in an excellent 27th place, winning his first coveted bronze replica in the process.

The Royal London 360 Superstock race was put back to a 6.30pm start and meant a long wait for the riders but Dan was soon on his way on the Honda Fireblade and a lap of 117.160mph on the first lap saw him slot into 37th place. A lap of almost 118mph second time around meant he'd moved up to 34th but as he came into the pits to refuel, he went over the 60kph speed limit and he was subsequently docked 30 seconds which dropped him back down the order.

Unaware of the penalty, he pressed hard on the final lap and the 119.199mph lap saw him back to 35th at the chequered flag winning the final bronze replica.


Speaking afterwards, Dan said;

"I really enjoyed the Supersport race and with the front end feeling a bit light in the first start, we made a few changes in time for the re-start and the Triumph worked a lot better. It took me a while to get back into my rhythm and there were a couple of oil flags out on the course so I took it steady on the first lap and then got into my stride. I perhaps should have gone a bit quicker on my first lap but I'm learning all the time and, fortunately, I caught people in places where I could pass straightaway so I had a good go on the final lap and was delighted with an 118mph lap to finish 27th and pick up a bronze replica. There was a long gap in between the two races so it meant a lot of hanging around and it took me a while to get into the Superstock race. It was also getting quite dark and gloomy and I was wary of rain coming on but it was a trouble-free race. I was obviously disappointed to get the penalty and also to miss out on a 120mph lap but it's another solid four laps and another bronze replica so I can't complain."

Team owner Paul Rees added;

"I'm chuffed to bits with today's results and to pick up two bronze replicas in Dan's second TT, and our first, is brilliant. Both races saw Dan put in some really good lap times and, more importantly, complete both races so it's been a really valuable day in terms of mileage and knowledge. Dan's really enjoying himself and you can see he's learning more and getting more and more confident in each and every race with his increase in lap speeds. Both bikes are working really well and he brought them home safe and sound each time so we've had a very good day."


Centurion Racing will 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. Team Principal Paul 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.


Centurion Racing would specially like to thank Arai, FTR, GPR Racewear, Dunlop, Rage Designs, RichArt, R2 Logo Print & Embroidery, Akrapovic, Daytona, and Alan Smith of Smiths of Gloucester for personally supporting Dan, and all our friends and followers.