Josh Brookes looking forward to the North West 200

Josh Brookes eyes North West 200

Next week, Josh Brookes returns to the 8.9-mile North West 200 Portrush-Portstewart-Coleraine triangle for the first time since 2014.

Brookes takes on the NW 200 with the same PBM MCE Ducati team with which the 39-year-old Australian contests the British Superbike Championship.

The Bedfordshire-based double BSB champion made his North West 200 and Isle of Man TT debut in 2013 where he was the fastest newcomer on a Tyco Suzuki before setting a new Superbike lap record the following year en route to second place on a Yamaha. Brookes also scored a Supersport podium the same year.

Paul Bird’s team has a good record at the event, including Glenn Irwin winning three of his last four Superbike races on a Ducati PBM. Brookes therefore hopes to add another piece of silverware to the trophy cabinet of Britain’s most successful motorcycle racing team.

Josh Brooke

“We hadn’t originally planned to race the North West 200 as part of my deal with PBM and the MCE Ducati Racing Team this year, but it was a pleasant last minute surprise when the opportunity arose. presented.

“The question everyone asks is how competitive the Ducati MCE will be on the NW200 track and that’s a question I can’t answer until I’ve ridden it. have no reason to believe that we can’t do well, or really well in fact.

“The Ducati is known for being fast and even if we are a few tenths short in BSB, I don’t think that will be a problem with the very nature of the event.

“I have full confidence in the bike and in the team, and although I haven’t ridden there since 2014, remember I almost won the Superbike race and set a new lap record at the So our expectations are high and I’m really looking forward to it and seeing the fans again after the past two years.

“I have spent many years living in Northern Ireland so it will be good to see some familiar faces and hopefully the weather is good and we can get all the expected track time.”

Brookes will only contest the North West 200, he or the MCE Ducati Racing Team are not scheduled to compete in the Isle of Man TT races this year.

Fona Cab and Nicholl oils 2022 International North West 200 begins Tuesday, May 10.