Richard Cooper to race 8R for Powerslide Suzuki at North West 200

Richard Cooper will race Suzuki’s award-winning GSX-8R at this year’s International North West 200, after signing to race for Powerslide Suzuki, with 2026 marking the first year that Sportbike-class motorcycles can compete in the Supertwins races.

Cooper, a seven-time winner around the Triangle Circuit, will return to Suzuki machinery at the famous event after making his debut with Suzuki there in 2019. That year he took a podium finish aboard a GSX-R1000R on his way to setting a newcomer lap record.

He will race the Powerslide Suzuki 8R at the Scarborough Gold Cup at Oliver’s Mount on 11-12 April as part of his preparations for the North West, which takes place from 4-9 May.

Powerslide Suzuki is Suzuki GB’s official entry into this year’s British Sportbike Championship, where the team is fielding four riders on 8R machinery, including Asher Durham, who was a race winner and title contender in the class in 2025. He narrowly missed out on the title to Dutch youngster Kas Beekmans, also aboard a Suzuki 8R.

Cooper said, "I had a taste of the GSX-8R in its first year at a track day and was very impressed. It’s a punchy thing and what Brad [Clarke - team owner] and Dave [Tyson - team manager] have done with the bike in its first year in BSB was extremely impressive, and it seemed like a great bike to jump on for the North West and remain competitive. I’m excited to run it at Scarborough and then look forward to going over to the North West in May."

Brad Clarke added, "When the opportunity to work with Richard came about it was something we couldn't turn down. His pedigree speaks for itself and I am looking forward to seeing what our 8R is capable of in his hands."

Clarke himself will also make his fifth appearance as a competitor at this year’s North West 200, racing a GSX-R1000R in the Superstock class.