Team Co-ordit has finalised its rider line-up for a three-pronged assault on the British Superbike Series. Richard Cooper has been joined by David Hallett and Leon Hunt to ride the yellow liveried Co-ordit Yamahas for the 2009 season.
A successful debut National Superstock and Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup season in 2008 has seen team owner Pete Bradshaw increase the team’s presence in the BSB paddock for the coming season with three young, talented riders. Richard Cooper will line up on the Co-ordit Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 as a serious challenger for the 2009 National Superstock title. For the first time, Richard is able to commit to a full season of racing within the British Superbike series. As well as competing in the Superstock class, ‘Cooperman’ will contest selected rounds of the British Superbike Cup, Stars of Darley and Race of the Year for Co-ordit Performance.
Making the switch in machinery from Triumph to Yamaha for 2009 will be 22 year old David Hallett. The Canterbury-born rider will be a front-runner in the fierce contest for the British Supersport Cup Championship onboard a Co-ordit Performance Yamaha YZF-R6. David scored a season best finish of third at the technically demanding Knockhill circuit on his way to fifth overall last season, and has been training hard over the winter to focus on the task ahead.
Completing the Co-ordit Performance rider line-up is Brighton based Leon Hunt. Continuing on Yamaha machinery for a second year, Leon began his career in the National Superteen Championship in 2003, progressing to a successful season with the ACU Academy, before cutting his Supersport teeth in the Virgin Mobile R6 Cup. A move to the World Superbike paddock in 2007 was blighted with injury but a return
to form and the UK in 2008 proved a profitable move for the 20 year old. Competing for the Excel Performance Yamaha team on a limited budget, Leon took a number of top placings, including second at Brands Hatch, on his way to 10th overall. The team is fired up and ready for action with the season opener at Brands Hatch Indy circuit scheduled for the Easter Weekend (11-13 April).
Richard Cooper: “After riding for Co-ordit for the second half of 2008 I am very confident that with me, the team and the Yamaha R1 we have a very good chance of running right at the front of the championship all year long. I’ve put in a lot of training over the winter and am in excellent shape for the new season ahead.”
David Hallett: “Having met Pete Bradshaw and getting to know the boys at Co-ordit Racing during 2008, I got to see just how professional and passionate they are about their racing and I'm extremely excited about having the opportunity to ride with the team this season. It puts me in a great position and with my Co-ordit Yamaha R6, and Ross Aldridge Solicitors' continued support, I'm confident that we'll be fighting for wins in the Cup, which is just what will be needed with the championship as our ultimate goal. I finished last season on a high and am ready to continue that form into 2009. I've been training harder than ever and can't wait for us to roll up at Brands so I can start repaying the team for the opportunity they are giving me.”
Leon Hunt: “After some broken promises over the past few seasons, I’m really excited to be working with Pete and Co-ordit. Although a relatively new team, they have quickly become a big part of the BSB paddock with their professional set-up. I hope to be able to give them the right results this season in order to build a long racing relationship with the team. A big thank you to my sponsors, SETS and Atomic Tangerine for helping me to progress again this season.”
Pete Bradshaw - Team Owner:
“For 2009 we have 3 great riders competing in 3 championships, but we are certainly not here just to make up the numbers, all our riders have the ability and experience to achieve podium finishes. It's great that Richard wanted to continue his career with us for a second season, and I'm sure he will reward the team with even better results than last year. Dave Hallett showed solid commitment last year and I feel that this year with the support of the team we can get those podiums, together with regular championship points. Leon Hunt will be showing the rest of the club racers what can be achieved in the 600 ‘stocks onboard the Co-ordit Yamaha. This is a highly competitive championship and with last year’s experience Leon has set his sights on those podium steps. With the Co-ordit Performance Relay link to club racing that we have introduced, 2009 will see the team attend a lot more club races giving the riders valued track time and keeping them sharp between the BSB meetings. Thanks goes out to both NGRRC and EMRA for their support together with our sponsors.”
