Autograss racer Phil Cooper makes it 26 British title wins

So for Phil Cooper to do exactly that 26 times is spectacular.

And there is some bad news for his rivals because he does not plan to give it all up any time soon.

Last week Cooper, 38, from Burtonwood, added his 26th British Autograss Series crown to the national series title that he won for the 12th time in August.

He acknowledges his stunning achievements would not be possible without the support he has around him but he can count on 32 years of race experience to get through even the toughest of competitions.

“I started racing motorbikes in 1991 at six-years-old and then in 1998 I moved into cars in a junior mini,” said Cooper, a team leader in the maintenance services department at United Utilities.

Phil Cooper racing his junior mini back in the day

“My parents raced for many years before I was born so it was inevitable I would start racing when I was able to.

“When I started racing I just wanted to win the nationals.

“It should never be underestimated how much of an achievement it is to win it once.

“My dad raced for over 25 years and won one just before he stopped racing so that highlights just how difficult it can be.

“Now having won 12 national championships, 26 British championships and winning both championships in every class I have raced I feel like there isn't anything to prove.

“I never set out to win a certain amount of championships or even win the most of any driver in the sport but I love racing and as long as I love it I'll keep returning year after year.

Phil Cooper in race mode. Picture: PR Motorsport Photography

“There's a few reasons I keep going. Firstly, I love competition and winning.

“I have some very good sponsors including local companies Rock Oil and K&N filters. They have supported me pretty much since the start of my racing career and it5’s a great feeling to be able to fly the flag for such big brands.

“To keep winning year after year is the best possible way to give them something back for the support they give to me.

“Also, me and my wife Lisa have two young daughters. Grace is eight and Ellie is three. We go to all events as a family and they get involved helping clean the car between races or just get tools out everywhere in the back of the truck.

Phil Cooper and his family with the season's silverware

“They love the weekends away and to see the smiles on their faces when I get back to the pits after a good race is the best feeling in the world.

“That's enough to keep anyone going even after the hardest, muddiest most difficult of weekends.

“In the next few years if our children want to race I'd like to give them the support and opportunities my parents gave to me.”

Phil Cooper in race mode. Picture: PR Motorsport Photography

So how does he manage to succeed, year after year?

“The biggest thing is having great supportive family and friends. Nothing would be possible without them,” he said.

“Also working with great people who I believe in. From chassis builders to engine builders, suspension experts and everyone in between. To win year after year everything needs to be right and I'm very lucky to have had the support and guidance of some great people and companies over the years.”

Securing the British crown on the final weekend of racing in Ireland was a feat in itself.

“The British Autograss Series took place over five rounds starting in South Wales just outside of Tenby earlier this year,” said Cooper.

“It’s been a terrible year in terms of weather, with it raining at some point for every round this year, even having a reduced race format at round four in Yeovil due to torrential rain on the Sunday.

“Round five was no different. We crossed the Irish Sea during Storm Agnes but despite this on the Friday before the event, when scrutineering and set-up takes place, it was a nice day. However Saturday was a washout and all racing was postponed until Sunday.

Phil Cooper in race mode. Picture: PR Motorsport Photography

“With 350 drivers at the event it was impossible to run the full meeting format so a reduced schedule was announced.

“This left the odds stacked massively against us as we were a number of points behind and needed all the races we could in order to try and win the championship.

“We won both qualifying heats and went on to win the final while the opposition cracked under pressure and so we won the championship for the 26th time.”