Leading British Superbike Championship racer Josh Brookes will make his debut at the Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy in 2013.
Australian Brookes, who was runner-up in this year’s BSB title race after a season-long duel, will race for Northern Ireland-based Tyco Suzuki, one of the most successful teams in TT history.
And the Sydney native, who has lapped the TT course during parades in previous years, says he is not setting any goals for his first competitive run on the Mountain course.
He 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.”
Brookes burst onto the racing scene when he won a World Supersport round at Phillip Island as a ‘wildcard’ in 2004. He went on to win the Australian Superbike and Supersport domestic titles in 2005, as well as finishing third in a fiercely competitive World Supersport Championship in 2008.
He moved to the BSB in 2009, and so far has notched up 100 race starts, 11 wins and has regularly been a championship contender. In 2012 he took the title battle with Shane Byrne right down to the last day of the season during a campaign which saw Brookes take 20 podium finishes.
The 29-year-old first visited the TT in 2009, but after experiencing the atmosphere during the TT in 2011 and 2012, and participating in parade laps on the Mountain course, he now feels the time is right to add his name to the entry list.
Team Manager Philip Neill said:
“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 added:
“We are really pleased to be able to confirm Josh’s 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.”