56º North October 2018 | Page 86

SHOOTING FROM

THE LIP WITH

JOSH BROOKES

 

Article John McComisky

Images: McCAMS Yamaha and Lenny Hartley.

Ride Scotland caught up with McAMS Yamaha rider Josh Brookes to find out a bit about his career, his thoughts as well as his interests outwith taking on BSB and the Isle of Man TT course.

Aussie Brookes a former BSB champion in 2015 and runner up in 2017 is still regarded as a potential champion in BSB in coming seasons as well as a formidable opponent to the likes of Hickman, Harrison and Hutchinson in the Isle of Man TT races of the future. A class act on all levels Josh had some interesting thoughts to share with us here as he took time out to prepare for the season ending Brands Hatch British Superbike Showdown this weekend.

Having raced at the highest level all over the world, from World Supersport, WSB, World Endurance as well as BSB and the TT, what would be your favourite race, venue and why?

'The best riding experience someone can have is on the IOM TT course. Conventional race track would be Suzuka'.

Two stroke or Four Stroke?

'Got to be a two-stroke'.

Weapon of choice... what has been the bike you have most enjoyed wringing its neck, or bike you would most want to ride or race?

'The R1 I rode during 2015 British Superbike championship year'.

Who in your opinion are the best riders you have been on track with whether it was short circuits or your roads outings over the years? You have a reputation of being straight talking with a no bull attitude so who would you have had respect for off track?

'It's not so straight forward to answer, I've raced so many years in a variety of classes. In Oz, Robbie Baird (style), Kev Curtain (consistency), Jamie Stauffer (speed, gentleman), Kirk McCarthy (all round mad dog), Wayne Maxwell (my best mate), Joan Lascorz (smooth, talent), Ryuichi Kiyonari (speed, warrior) and Shane Byrne as an archrival.

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