Richard Cooper clear sweeps NW200 SuperTwin contests

2023 North West 200

SuperTwin

With Ben McCook

The opening race of the 2023 North West 200 weekend was the primary of the 2 Supertwin contests. Scorching favorite, Richard Cooper had received each races in 2022 solely to be disqualified on account of a much-publicised technical infringement. This yr he was again for revenge.

The competition had been scheduled for Thursday night time however delays on account of a pink flag within the earlier opening Supersport race meant that like final yr, it was held over till the Saturday.

There was drama when the race initially bought below manner and it appeared that Copper had chosen the incorrect gearing and was struggling to tug prime pace on the lengthy straights. The wind course had modified since observe and was now blowing in the wrong way.

59-year-old ex-Moto GP star, Jeremy McWilliams in management on the Bayview Resort Paton. However sadly for the no. 99, a pink flag within the early levels due to an enormous crash at Dhu Varren involving Michael Sweeney meant that ‘Coops’ would get a second crack at it, with time for changes.

With gearing now adjusted, the remaining by no means stood an opportunity. The Nottingham man toyed with McWilliams, Adam McLean and Paul Jordan for some time however round half distance the baby-faced murderer pulled the pin and cleared off, leaving the locals to type out the remaining podium locations between them.

Ultimately, McWilliams made a do-or-die transfer into Juniper on the ultimate lap, taking to the gravel and forcing McLean broad and permitting Paul Jordan to sneak handed the each of them.

McWilliams was gutted to be off the rostrum after seeming to be favorite for the win within the preliminary working of the race however McLean was over joyed to be lastly make it onto the field after a string of fourth locations through the years and a promising profession blighted by damage so typically through the years.

Jordan declared himself, ‘completely happy’ with second – an enchancment on his third in 2022.

A second Twins race later within the day adopted an analogous script, and Cooper accomplished a historic double, nevertheless, this time his identify will keep within the file books.

A four-lap sprint within the second contest noticed the Nottingham man hit the entrance at half distance and from then on was by no means headed. ‘

McWilliams and McLean had each taken turns on the entrance and fought it out for the rostrum for the final two laps.Ultimately, Jezza bought his podium with McLean taking one other third. Paul Jordan was the subsequent man forward of earlier winners, Stefano Bonetti and Joe Loughlin.

American newcomer and three time Daytona runner-up Cory West took a unbelievable seventh in his first ever actual highway race. A advantageous displaying on the JMcC roofing bike.

Emmet O-Grady, Jamie Williams and Francesco Curinga rounded out the highest 10.

2023 North West 200 Outcomes
SuperTwin Race One

2023 North West 200 Outcomes
SuperTwin Race Two

2023 North West 200 Outcomes
SuperTwin Thursday Qualifying