Crash.net recently offered you the chance to get your questions to HM Plant Honda's newest recruit, Joshua Brookes, ahead of his debut in the British Superbike Championship.
Covering his hopes for 2009, his decision to snub the World Superbike stage in favour of the British series and his concerns about British cuisine, read on to find out exactly what the 'turbo skid king' had to say…
Q – gregin8er
What do you think is a realistic target for your debut season, taking into account you've got a new bike and tracks to learn. Good luck!
Josh Brookes
The obvious answer by anyone doing what I do is that I expect to win. And in this case, I expect to win – that's my goal. The difference this time is that my team are in my opinion the best in the paddock, the bike is something I've ridden already and it's just incredible, and although I don't know the tracks, I been in this situation before and as a professional rider, you just deal with it.
Q – slideways
Why BSB and how does it fit into your career path? Do you have an agreement with Honda for a WSBK ride if you take the title for example?
Josh Brookes
BSB in a factory team like HM Plant Honda in my opinion is always going to be better than a private team in SBK. It was an easy decision for me to join HM Plant Honda, the career path is better because if I succeed, then I'm succeeding with a factory team. As to WSBK, I'm just focusing on BSB. The rest will take care of itself if I go well.
Q – AMG
What has been for you, the best race of your career yet and why? Thanks and good luck.
Josh Brookes
Easily the 2004 WSS race at Phillip Island in which I was a Wild Card. Firstly because I achieved something that hadn't been done before in that class, and secondly it was the moment when something I achieved was due to my self belief, not what someone else thought I could do. Had I'd gone out and said prior to the race 'I am going to win' then I'd look like a crazy person, but I knew I could do it. And a massive thanks to Honda Australia for that bike and the support that weekend too!
Q - almo
Is BSB a two year programme, to learn circuits and bike in the first year and win championship second year out, or are you confident you can win the title first year out?
Josh Brookes
I only have a one year deal so far with HM Plant Honda, so it's not a 2 year deal thing, and my focus for 2009 is to win the Championship. Rather than use the word 'confident', I like to think 'focused'. I have the equipment, the Team, and support necessary to achieve this.
Q – Adam
