Brookes recounts TT experience

The 2013 Isle of Man TT didn’t quite produce the podium expectations we at Tyco Suzuki were looking for, but getting Josh Brookes up to speed initially, and watching him set a phenomenal newcomer’s lap record at 127.726mph during the Superbike TT – was well worth the trip alone. 

Brookes went on to finish tenth in that opening race of TT2013, and will undoubtedly be a memorable debut race for the 30-year-old Australian British Superbike rider when he looks back on his career in many years to come.

Josh suffered gremlins in the Superstock encounter – stretching his chain after over-jumping Ballaugh Bridge – and had to make an un-scheduled pit stop but carried on to eventually get a finisher’s medal.

In Friday’s Senior TT, Brookes retired his GSX-R1000 Superbike at the end of lap one with an electrical problem, which was disappointing for the Aussie, as he was on course to better his previous newcomer’s best of 127mph.

Josh Brookes:

“I’m really happy how the TT started for me as I was under no pressure to perform. I did kind of have high hopes after the first couple of practice sessions, but that’s a natural progression. The fact that I set the newcomer’s lap record in the Superbike TT was a great thrill.

“I knew I’d done well but I still had lots to learn, so again I had high hopes of some progression in the Senior TT to possibly extend the newcomer’s lap record a little. The first two sectors are not my strongest, but if you do the math from that first lap, for sure I’d have gone quicker.

“Yes I’m a bit disappointed not to see my true potential and I could say, ‘well there’s always next year’, but in 2014 I’ll just be one of the regular guys and not a newcomer. 

“In saying that, we all know the TT is a difficult place and you only have to look at the likes of Gary Johnson breaking down when challenging for the lead, to know how cruel the place is on a rider and motorbike. 

“So my challenge in the future is to finish a race and conserve the motorbike and let the results come after that. Working with Guy has been great. I knew a bit about him before the TT as he’s a famous face, but my opinion of him has changed.

“We got time to socialise and had many laughs in the race truck waiting on sessions to start. I have to say he was really open with the information that he gave me and answered every question I asked. He was very helpful and really encouraged me and I enjoyed the jokes and banter.

“The boys all did a great job during a demanding fortnight, but now it’s back to BSB this weekend at Knockhill, but for sure I want to go back to the TT. I’ve been doing laps in my head since I left the place!

“My focus this week will be on Knockhill and mentally preparing to win again in BSB. I’m sure the first session will seem a bit strange but after that I will be back in my normal routine.”

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