John Cooper

Who is John Cooper?

John Cooper is a retired garage proprietor who was a prolific short-circuit road racer during the 1960s and early 1970s. He also entered selected Grand Prix motorcycle road races. His best season was in 1967 when he finished the year in seventh place in the 500cc world championship. Cooper was a two-time winner of the North West 200 race held in Northern Ireland. He is remembered for his upset victory over the reigning 500cc world champion, Giacomo Agostini at the 1971 Race of the Year held at Mallory Park. Cooper rode a BSA Rocket 3 to finish three-fifths of a second ahead of Agostini's MV Agusta.

A section of the Mallory Park, Leicestershire circuit has been renamed from Lake Esses to the John Cooper Esses in his honor.