Brands BSB: 'Surreal, satisfying'title for Brookes

Milwaukee Yamaha's Josh Brookes can't quite believe that it has taken him seven season to clinch his maiden MCE British Superbike title, and has hailed his incredible achievement as 'surreal' and 'satisfying'.Brookes and his R1 have dominated the season and came into the final round at Brands Hatch with a 47 point advantage over rival, PBM Kawasaki's Shane Byrne and a win yesterday meant that he was able to win the championship a day early - and he did it in style with a victory on Saturday.The Bringelly native took the victory in the second race at the Kent track, but did crash out in the final race, but was fortunately uninjured. Brookes is a firm fan favourite and had a great reception from the thousands of fans at the track today. But Brookes never thought he would be popular with the British public when he first came into the series."It is hard to believe its taken seven years to achieve this goal, and it is surreal that its taken so long but its very satisfying to achieve. There were certainly times in 2009 when I was convinced that there would never be a time that I would get those British fans to clap me let alone cheer at the end it was emotional to get a decent reception," said Brookes, at the track."I have the impression that things are heading in the World Superbike direction, but I always have the idea that until I am sat on the bike in the first race that it is not real yet. That's my motivation that is where I want to go and I think that's where the team and Shaun wants to go. Everyone wants to improve and lift their situation and improve their career - and that's the goal and I think Milwaukee want to expand too - but at the moment nothing is sure."Team Owner, Shaun Muir said to Bikesportnews.com, "I think Josh is truly deserving of this championship win and for us to do it with Tommy Hill and Josh Brookes for both of their first championships it proved the quality of the team we have got. I am pleased we have done it twice in five years for Yamaha."Josh's mentality never changed from day one and the level of expectation was clear and we knew it was going to be a slow start to the season and parts were going to be late and he bought into the idea and the concept and then he peaked at the right time. For us overall he has gelled with the team and mechanics and that tight knit team has helped us win the championship."Team Manager Mick Shanley added to Bikesportnews.com, "It's been great, the guys have put in so much work. The bike was new at the beginning of the year and we managed to turn it around to put it into a race winning package and Josh has gelled with it and he has been dominant and now we reap the rewards."It has been good to be in a position to develop things all year and with a new package we keep improving at all race meetings. It has been good to give Josh something like that too. I have got to take my hat off - the team have been fantastic all year and on both sides of the garage and Yamaha Germany - it has been a team effort and now we have the title to show for the hard work."- See more at: http://www.bikesportnews.com/news/news-detail/brands-bsb-surreal-and-satisfying-title-for-brookes#sthash.p4pdBxsn.dpuf