Buildbase Suzuki’s Richard Cooper will make his road racing debut at the 2019 FonaCab North West 200.

The current Pirelli National Superstock 1000 series leader hasn’t ridden on public roads before but is approaching the North West with the right attitude - building and learning.

“Now we’re here the excitement and anticipation has gone up a notch, but it hasn’t changed our approach,” said Cooper.

“I have come here with some aims in my mind – I think any rider goes to a new event or to compete somewhere new with a bit of an idea of what they can do, what they can achieve, and where they want to be – but the main one is to learn and improve as the week goes on.

I know I’ve got a good team around me and a team that is vastly experienced on the roads, and if I work hard and come away with strong performances I’ll be happy.

“So far as road race debuts go, there aren’t many bigger events to do it than the North West 200. I’d been looking to take this step for a couple of years to be honest and I was only going to do it when everything came together.

“But the plan was always to come here. It’s a great event, great fans, a really strong field. I’m excited to get going, but we’ll be taking it step-by-step.”