Superstock 1000: Bathams BMW to Sit out Snetterton Round after Cooper Injury

In the British Superbike paddock, Bathams BMW have confirmed they will sit out the National Superstock 1000 round at Snetterton this weekend, following the crash at Donington Park that saw Richard Cooper break a leg and his bike suffer extensive damage.

Cooper, a double Superstock 1000 champion was aiming to reclaim his crown in 2020, though the news now hampers his title assault.

The news also means the teammate Michael Rutter will miss the next two rounds. The Bridgnorth rider had not competing at Donington and won’t appear on track until Silverstone. Cooper had secured a seventh place in round round and comes into Snetterton 13th in the standings with seven races left after this weekend.

“After round one, everyone involved with Bathams Racing agreed that with the limited amount of time available between rounds, and with the amount of damage sustained to one of our bikes, that we won’t be able to compete at Snetterton to the standards that we set ourselves and which our sponsors and partners expect. Therefore, the best thing to do for everyone is to make sure we are 100% prepared for round three at Silverstone on 4/5/6 September”.

Michael Rutter

Richard Cooper has had surgery on the leg injury and is starting on the road to recovery.

“I was inundated with messages and I can’t thank everyone enough. I’m sorry if I’ve not replied to you all, but your well wishes haven’t gone unnoticed. It’s going to be a long road, but I’m fit and healthy which is important and will help my recovery. The whole Bathams team have been amazing. We might not have started the season to plan, but we have definitely grown stronger as a team. Thanks, Coopes” 

Richard Cooper

Heading into this Superstock 1000 weekend, Chrissy Rouse and Tom Neave will be hoping to build upon their race wins. The pair, along with Damon Rees arrive as joint joint championship leaders, all on 36 points.