Pictured: John Cooke, centre, celebrates his motorbike
sponsorship with Berrys associate Stephen Locke, left, and
managing partner Matthew Anwyl, right
Shropshire motorcycle racing ace John Cooke was sponsored by his
employers Berrys to compete in the Olivers Mount Gold Cup
International motorcycle road races in Scarborough earlier this
month (September 17/18).
The sponsorship enabled John to compete in the 125 grand
prix race on The Berrys Honda amongst some of the world's
best road racers such as John Mc Guinness and Guy Martin.
Held at Olivers Mount Scarborough on the only real road circuit
in the country, the event attracts around 50,000 people and was
shown on TV for the first time and broadcast live on the
internet.
John, a graduate surveyor at Berrys' Shrewsbury Business Park
office, tunes the Honda RS125 himself and after qualifying on the
opening Saturday of the world class meeting faced a ride in the
rain on the Sunday.
"I got amongst a very close five-bike battle for fourth place
but after changing line to avoid a bike that had slid across the
track in front of us I came off along with another bike. Everyone
fortunately was OK," he said.
John really enjoys the sport and has competed for several years.
He recently got seventh place in the international Ulster Grand
Prix on the bike first time at the track and he won two
regional championships in 2010 as well as two national road race
wins and the 2010 UK 50cc championship.
"I'm very pleased to have Berrys onboard as I have a direct link
with the firm and it is very difficult to remain competitive
without good sponsorship," said John who is from St. Georges,
Telford.
Matthew Anwyl, managing partner of Berrys said: "We are
delighted to be sponsoring John and proud to have such a successful
sportsman in our team."
"John is obviously a real enthusiast for the sport and we are
pleased to encourage him to pursue his interests as much as
possible. The sponsorship will help him and also give the Berrys
brand some excellent national exposure on the bike and
racetrack."
The bike will also sport the Berrys logo throughout the 2012
season.
John, 23, joined Berrys as graduate surveyor in 2010 and is
working towards full membership of the Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors and Central Association of Agricultural
Valuers.
He spent a placement year with the firm in 2008/9 when studying
for an honours degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management at
Harper Adams University College.
For further details contact John Cooke on 01743 271697, email
john.cooke@berrybros.com or visit www.berrybros.com