Josh Brookes to contest 2013 TT
Josh Brookes on the Arai parade lap at TT 2012. Brookes will be making his competitive Mountain Course debut at next year's event. PICTURE BY CHARLES MCQUILLAN
Australian to make competitive Mountain Course debut for Tyco Suzuki
AUSTRALIAN Josh Brookes will make his competitive TT debut next June after this year’s British Superbike Championship runner-up agreed a deal to tackle the Mountain Course with the Northern Ireland-based Tyco Suzuki team.
The Sydney born rider burst onto the scene when he won a World Supersport round at Phillip Island as a ‘wildcard’ in 2004 and won Australian Superbike and Supersport domestic titles in 2005 as well as finishing third in a fiercely competitive World Supersport Championship in 2008.
Josh began racing in the British Superbike Championship in 2009 and to date has started more than 100 races, winning 11. He finished second in the 2010 championship and also finished runner-up overall this season, a campaign that included 20 podiums, contributing to 50 overall career BSB podiums.
Brookes, 29, fell in love with the TT on his first visit back in 2009, but having sampled the atmosphere in and around the TAS Racing camp during TT Race Week in 2011 and 2012, and participated in parade laps on the Mountain Course, the Australian now feels the time is right to add his name to the entry list.
Speaking from his New South Wales home, Brookes said:
‘I’m glad it’s out in the open now as all the question about whether I was going to ride or not – and not being able to say anything – was getting a bit tiring. Since making the decision I’ve taken in some reconnaissance trips and spoken to a number of influential people. I fell in love with the place on my first visit back in 2009 and now that I’m with what I regard as the best team at the event in Tyco Suzuki – it gives me peace of mind. It’s too early to be setting any goals. It’s the beginning of a new project and we’ll just see how it goes.’
Tyco team Manager Philip Neill added: ‘As a team with a strong background in pure road racing I suppose it was inevitable that Josh would like to have a go at the TT. He’s one of the highest profile newcomers to come to the TT in recent years, but I know it’s not a spur of the moment idea – he has given it careful consideration. We won’t be expecting any miracle results and there is certainly no pressure on him. Our job is to use our experience and guide him to our best ability, but Josh is a sensible lad.’
Department of Economic Development, TT and Motorsport Development Manager Paul Phillips commented: ‘We are really pleased to be able to confirm Josh Brookes participation in next year’s event. Josh is a genuine world-class rider at the peak of his powers and his decision to compete in the event highlights the increasing appeal of the TT to the very best riders from all over the world. I am sure his appearance is going to generate a lot of interest with the TT fans.’
Further rider line-up for next yuear’s event are expected to be confirmed later this week with Motorcycle Live currently taking place in the NEC in Birmingham.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 13 C
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