Dan Cooper will once again team up with Centurion Racing for the 2013 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy.
Cooper, from Stroud in Gloucestershire, followed up his four bronze replicas on his TT debut in 2011 with another strong performance last year, picking up three bronze and a silver replica. He also clinched the runner-up spot in the Privateer's Championship and the prestigious Joe Craig Trophy, awarded to the British rider with the best performance on a British machine.
Cornwall-based Centurion Racing will be returning to tackle all six main solo races with a Honda Fireblade for the Superbike and Senior TTs, as well as a production version for the Superstock TT. In addition, they will contest both Supersport races with a 675cc Triumph and use a 650cc Kawasaki for the Lightweight class.
On his 1000cc debut in 2011, former British 125GP champion Cooper recorded an amazing lap of 122.583mph in the Senior TT on his way to 24th. He shot to prominence in 2012 when he took 19th in the Superbike TT and increased his best lap speed to 123.654mph on a Honda Fireblade.
A 24th in the Superstock TT on the Honda, lapping at 122.623mph, was followed up by two amazing rides on the 675cc Triumph in the Supersport races, claiming 11th at 120.634mph in the first race and a best lap of 121.674mph seeing him claim a top 10 finish in the second Supersport, and with it his first silver replica.
Team Principal Paul Rees said:
“Dan has always impressed me ever since he first joined Centurion for the British Supersport series. He has a good riding style that combines smoothness and aggression and this is a good combination for the TT.”
“This year at the TT will only be the third year for Dan and the team and we are aiming to improve on the results from last year where Dan succeeded in getting his first silver replica trophy.”
He added:
“For 2013, we have all the team attire, bikes and the race truck in new livery with H4H (Help for Heroes) logos so are very proud to 'fly the flag' for them at the Isle of Man TT again this year.”
Cooper said:
“I’m really looking forward to racing on the roads again. I just can't wait to get started.”
“The team is pushing the boat out for me this year and we are entering six races at the TT, which means it's going to be a busy fortnight. The team has built a new Superbike for me which means I'll be on slicks for the first time and I'm also hoping to improve on my top ten in the Supersport race.”
As in previous seasons, Centurion Racing will continue to show their support for Help for Heroes, the team’s chosen charity, by displaying H4H logos on the bikes and team attire. 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.