John Cooper's commendation video transcript

John Cooper

PROFESSOR WARREN MANNING: And now we come to our honorary awards. These are awarded by the University in recognition of somebody who has made a significant contribution in their field. I have great pleasure in inviting Professor Keith McLay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor to give the commendation of Honorary Master of the University to John Cooper.

PROFESSOR KEITH MCLAY: Chancellor, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff, honoured guests, Graduands of 2024, and all our guests here today, it gives me great pleasure to be presenting John Cooper for the award of Honorary Master of the University.

John 'Moon Eyes' Cooper is considered by some as one of the greatest British motorcycle riders in history. He found fame and success during the golden age of racing in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was a British champion six times and a popular star on the international stage, easily identifiable on the track by the two 'moon eyes' he always wore on his helmet. He is remembered by many racing fans as a down to earth Derbyshire lad who won the 'race of the century' at Mallory Park in 1971.

John was born in Derby in 1938 during the war. He left school when he was 15 and started work as a mechanic. He began racing bikes before he was called up for National Service in 1956. He won his first ever road race at Osmaston Manor in Ashbourne at the age of 17 in the 200cc class on a James motorcycle.

Leaving the army in 1958 with very little money and a burning ambition to continue racing, John built his own Triumph Cub Special from spare and damaged parts, which he raced competitively early in his career. Seasoned competitor, Peter Middleton, was overheard at the time saying, "Who's that youth wearing a red hat on that Triumph Cub? I hope he never gets a good bike!" John was soon competing in British Grand Prix races and the Isle of Man TT.

Remarkably, throughout his career, John continued to ride on British built modified road bikes that he worked on at his workshops in Derby, whilst his competitors rode top quality racing bikes. He won 18 out of 23 races on his homebuilt 350cc hybrid bike called a Yamsel. He also developed his own unique riding style. He was the first rider to hang off a motorcycle with his knee out - unique and daring at the time, but now a common sight on the circuit.

The highlight of John's career came when he beat the almost invincible 15-time world champion Giacomo Agostini to take top spot at the 1971 Race of the Year at Mallory Park, Leicestershire - later dubbed 'the race of the century'. He also won the coveted title of Motorcycle News 'Man of the Year' three times.

John was popular with fans and fellow competitors alike. He was a mentor to up and coming British talent (including Barry Sheene) and often assisted others financially without fuss and often without recognition. He established and ran his own successful garage business in Derby for nearly 50 years and is a well-known figure in the city and a supporter of several local charities. At the age of 86, he continues to restore classic bikes and rides them daily, if the weather permits!

John has made a huge contribution to Derby. He is a true local legend, and we are delighted to be recognising his achievements today. John is celebrating here with his wife, Rosemary, daughter and son in law, Jane and Nigel, and grandchildren, Edward and Eleanor.

Following acceptance of the award, Jane will respond on John's behalf. Chancellor, in recognition of his significant contribution to national and international motorcycle racing and to the local economy, we are delighted to award John Cooper the honorary degree of Master of the University.

JANE STOKES: Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Vice Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff, honoured guests, Graduands of 2024, and all our guests here today. On behalf of my father, John Cooper, thank you very much for your kind words.

I'm sure that for my Dad, it feels very strange to be standing here in this most unusual outfit, listening to his life story being read out.

As a very practical and hands on person, he only ever really wanted to work on and ride motorbikes. So, for him to be honoured in this way, amongst so many academics, must seem quite surreal. So, on his behalf, I would like to say thank you to the University for awarding him this honorary degree, and to Sean, Ben and Jenna Waters for nominating him. It really means a great deal to us all as a family, and shows that there's always more than one route to success. Hard work, determination, perseverance, and a little bit of luck can get you a long way in life, as my dad has proved.

Congratulations to everyone here today on your achievements. I'm sure that, like my dad, you have all worked hard and made many sacrifices to get to this point. You all deserve to thoroughly enjoy this occasion with your friends and family.

And finally, as a family, we would like Dad to know just how very proud we are of him and all that he has achieved. It means so very much to us all to be here with him today.

Thank you everybody and enjoy your own special day.

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