Brookes' Tyco team not setting targets ahead of second practice
Australian newcomer Josh Brookes goes into the second day of practice for the 2013 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy at the top of the fastest lap leader board, with a lap of 114.620mph.
The Tyco by TAS Suzuki rider completed his completed his first-ever timed laps of the Mountain Course on Saturday night after a speed controlled lap behind TT winner and rider liaison officer Richard 'Milky' Quayle.
With just the guided lap under his belt the Aussie British Superbike star got straight down to business setting the quickest ever newcomers’ lap on day one, and even though it is likely to be surpassed by the regular front-runners on Monday night – the BSB number 2 is more than happy with his opening laps of the TT Circuit.
Brookes said:
“The first was a controlled lap behind Milky Quayle, which was not difficult to do as you just emulate the man in front of you. The next lap on my own was really uncomfortable as it was a guessing game knowing how fast to go. There’s one thing knowing the corners – and I know them pretty well – but it’s another thing trying to judge how fast to enter them."
Brookes’ 114mph lap put him comfortably ahead of other newcomers including Branko Srdanov of the Netherlands (113.800mph), Horst Saiger (108.790mph) and Jonathan Howarth (109.260mph). Local rookie Gavin Hunt put in a best lap of 106.430mph while Dublin’s Derek Sheils managed 113.800mph.
Despite his successful first practice Josh says he wasn’t pushing himself too hard:
“I want to go as fast as I can, but I was lifting my head up over the screen like a Meercat! The next laps were like a breath of fresh air as the corners started to sink in and I was just flowing through the turns, sometimes on closed throttle, but I had no moments and I was happy with it. I know where I’m going but it looks so different at speed. It’s just a matter of getting my eyes to adjust and my brain to process the information faster, but it will come. I’m enjoying it.”
Team Manager Philip Neill said: “I’ve always said and I will reiterate, there is absolutely no pressure on Josh at the TT. He’s in a unique position compared to what he is used to in BSB. Josh has his own goals, but we are not chasing any fastest newcomer records. If he likes the TT and goes on to win one in the future, no one will care if he was the fastest newcomer on his debut.
“We all have to remember, it’s not just the TT but road racing that is brand new to Josh, so I just want him to make steady and safe progress, riding within his own limits. I don’t care what his final speed is at the end of TT2013; I do not want him chasing a lap time. Those will come as he learns the circuit, and so far he is doing a good job.”
The timed practice laps went a little better than the guided lap as Milky had to pull over at the Mountain Mile with a blown tyre. Luckily 19-time winner John McGuinness was not far behind with his group of newcomers and was able to lead Brookes and co. back to the Grandstand. Whether Josh was able to pick anything up from the acknowledged master of the Mountain remains to be seen…
Practice for the 2013 Isle of Man TT Festival continues on Monday night at 6.20pm. Listen in LIVE on Manx Radio 1368am or download the iPhone or Android App.