Richard Cooper reveals why he won't race for anyone else but Ryan Farquhar at the North West 200

Belfast Telegraph

09-05-2025

Dungannon man Farquhar was a driving force behind the rise of Supertwin racing and is a former winner in the category at the North West, Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix.
A Kawasaki guru, he has prepared the machinery that Cooper has ridden to victory in all four of his Supertwin victories.
There are newer next generation bikes such as the Yamaha and Aprilia to choose from, but Cooper hasn't considered riding for anyone else.
'I really enjoy riding for Ryan, he puts 100 per cent effort into the bikes, nothing more, nothing less, and I really like that,' said Cooper, who qualified in pole position for Saturday's two Supertwin races.
'For that reason, I've no reason to go and ride elsewhere. I feel we want to achieve the same goal and he gives me the best machinery possible that he can build.
'These bikes are built in his garage, at his home in his own workshop; everything is made by himself and I really like that kind of thing, so hopefully I can repay him with some wins.'
Cooper was beaten twice in 2024 by Peter Hickman on his Swan Yamaha, who returns on the same machine and is among the chief contenders.
Adam McLean, second fastest in qualifying — 0.7s behind Cooper — is another leading exponent on the Flitwick Yamaha, as is former podium finisher Paul Jordan on the Jackson Racing Aprilia.
The evergreen Jeremy McWilliams has switched to an Aprilia this year in the J McC Racing colours and cannot be dismissed as a possible winner.
'I think Hicky (Peter Hickman) is always going to be a dark horse, he beat me last year,' Cooper said.
'Adam McLean on his new Yamaha R7 (is in the mix) and you can never count out Jeremy McWilliams, can you?'
Michael Sweeney from Skerries in Co Dublin had a strong run in qualifying on his MSR Aprilia and along with Jamie Coward (KTS Racing/Stanley Stewart Kawasaki) is among the main protagonists.