Richard Cooper toasts ‘fantastic' fifth Supertwin victory at North West 200
Cooper had to settle for the runner-up spot twice in 2024 after losing out to Peter Hickman, but he was back on the top step at the north coast road race after his sixth win in total at the event.
The opening Supertwin race was red-flagged on the last lap just as the leaders finished the race.
Yorkshire's Jamie Coward was involved in an accident at Quarry Hill but was not believed to be badly hurt.
Cooper, riding the KMR/Jack Reid Cars Kawasaki, passed McLean on the final lap on the blast to Portrush and although he ran in hot on the brakes into Metropole, the 42-year-old was able to keep Tobermore man McLean (Flitwick Yamaha) at bay, winning by 0.280s.
Jeremy McWilliams wrapped up the podium places in third on the J McC Racing Aprilia, eight seconds behind.
'It was a fantastic race with Adam McLean there,' said a delighted Cooper, who qualified on pole for the opening race of the day.
'His bike was working really well and I actually just settled into it and let him lead a lap or so and figured out where I could possibly make the move.
'I learnt a lot from Peter Hickman last year when he did that to me! I have noted that down and we made the win.
'To start the day off with a win, very happy.'
McLean is competing in the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC) for the second season but is glad he pencilled in the NW200 after taking an excellent second place on his Yamaha.
'I think I showed my hand a wee bit early. It was tricky with the strategy,' said McLean, who recorded the fastest lap of the race at 110.927mph.
'Richard played his cards well, I was expecting that and he is tough to beat, but I'm more than happy to be on the podium. A big thanks to the team. I'm happy to finish second.'
Cooper led from the start but made a big mistake at the end of the opening lap, running onto the grass at the start/finish chicane.
That allowed McLean to take the lead but as the four-lap race unfolded, Cooper tucked in behind the Ulster rider and made his move when it mattered on the final lap for another win around the 8.9-mile course.
Three-time Supertwin winner McWilliams was satisfied to be back on the podium after an impressive ride by the 61-year-old.
'I wasn't sure what happened to Peter Hickman,' said the Glengormley man.
'I could have done with him as he might have brought me back into the mix! He pulled out at Juniper and it was a lonely ride.'
Michael Sweeney finished fourth on his Aprilia ahead of Barry Furber (DC Autos Kawasaki) and AJ Venter, who completed the top six on his TJ Racing Kawasaki ahead of 14-time NW200 winner Michael Rutter (Bathams Yamaha).
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