at Coopers Square
Coopers Square was at the hub of British Motorsport on Thursday 22 May when the Burton upon Trent shopping centre played host to Team Brookspeed’s stunning Ducati 1098R British Superbike and British GT Dodge Viper. With over half a million pounds of racing equipment on display the team’s rider Leon Morris (Stockbridge) and driver James Gornall (Peterborough) joined hundreds of two and four wheel motorsport fans at Coopers Square.
Southampton-based Team Brookspeed paid a special visit to Coopers Square en route to take its new Ducati outfit to the Bennetts British Superbike rounds at Donington Park where rookie Leon Morris will aim to improve on his first podium and third-place finish at Oulton Park in the Daily Star Cup. With a busy weekend’s schedule ahead, the Team Trimite Brookspeed Dodge Viper and James Gornall head for the Avon Tyres British GT rounds at Rockingham, Corby, in the hope of going one better than their second place at Knockhill back in April.
With the car and bike taking pride of place in the Main Square, hundreds of shoppers revelled in the chance to meet the young racing stars and get a rare and unrestricted look at the horse-power on display.
After making his first visit to Coopers Square, Leon Morris commented: “There has been loads of interest here. A lot of people stop and stare, almost shocked to see a racing bike and car in the middle of the shopping centre, but they soon pluck up the courage to come over and have a chat. There is a huge motorsport following here and it’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm for the sport. I don’t often get the chance to meet fans at a race meeting, so it’s great to meet new people and know that they will be supporting us on the track from now on. Hopefully lots of new supporters will be cheering us on at Donington this weekend.”
James Gornall added: “It’s been fantastic to meet everyone at Coopers Square and the Dodge Viper certainly makes for an impressive centre-piece. The crowds seem to love the car almost as much as I do and it’s great to be back in Burton after our April appearance. I just hope that some of the smashing people we have met make the trip to Rockingham to see us in action.”
Six lucky winners will be on their way to watch the tyre-screeching action in either the Bennetts British Superbike championship at Donington Park or the Avon Tyres British GT Championship at Rockingham on Monday 26 May, courtesy of the Coopers Square free prize draw.
“As an avid motorsport fan with a long standing association with motor cycle racing, I was like a child in a sweet shop,” said Dave Chadfield. “Leon is an up and coming star in the sport, definitely one to watch. James was really revved up for the weekend, he explained that with the latest improvements to the car he is hoping for a win so I'm looking forward to keeping an eye on both events. We had a huge response to the competition with six lucky shoppers winning the tickets; I hope they have an enjoyable weekend.”
