BSB: FHO announce BMW F 900 R Cup line-up

Richard Cooper and Kate Walker will join the FHO Racing team in the all-new BMW F 900 R Cup.

Richard Cooper will enter the new BMW F 900 R Cup this season, with the FHO Racing team run by Faye Ho. It will be Richard Cooper’s first time that he is back for a full British series since his crash at Donington Park in 2020. Cooper will test his BMW F 900 R on the final day of the official Bennetts British Superbike Championship test at Silverstone. 

Kate Walker will be joining Richard Cooper in the FHO Racing team this season. She enters her first year in a British championship, after spending last season racing in Thundersport GB. Kate Walker finished second in the Golden Era Steelsport Championship, finishing behind Mark Biswell.

Cooper has had great success in British Championships, winning the National Superstock 1000 title twice. The 39 years year old first won the title in 2011, only to take the Championship again in 2019.

Since winning the National Superstock titles, Richard Cooper has raced in many international road races, including the. North West 200. In 2023, he will ride for the BPE/Russell Racing Yamaha with Dean Harrison.

Cooper said: “The deal for this season came about quite late in the day, but I’m happy we managed to get something sorted and turned around quickly, where I’m able to join an established team like FHO Racing. The F 900 R Cup will be an exciting series to get stuck into, the main thing is that my input is equal to what I would be putting into a National Championship class – I’m coming into this to win races.

“The main different for me now, I guess is my outlook into racing. I want to enjoy weekends, race with a smile on my face and give something back to the younger talent coming through like Kate [Walker]. 

I’ve raced in various one-make series before and they’re classes I seem to excel in, which I think is down to my ability to adapt to different bikes quickly. I’d like to thank Faye and the team for this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to getting the season started.”

Team Owner Faye Ho commented: “It’s great to have Richard joining the team in the BMW F 900 R Cup; I think he’ll be a great addition to FHO Racing and especially working alongside Kate. His experience in the paddock, bike set-up and general race craft will be a huge benefit to Kate as she moves up into the British Championship.

“Richard is a former two-time Superstock champion; he’s a trusted pair of hands and we all know what he’s capable of. I believe we’re in for an exciting season with him onboard and I think he’ll keep everyone in the class on their toes.”

Image credit: britishsuperbike.com