Brookes: Thruxton ‘secrets’ key to success

Josh Brookes is certain locking down on an ideal set-up with his McAMS Yamaha will be vital to maintain his impressive recent record at Thruxton and maintain his momentum in the Bennetts British Superbike championship.

The 2015 BSB champion secured his first wins of the year with an impressive double at Brands Hatch last time out and having claimed a race victory 12 months ago at the Hampshire circuit, while also crashing out of the lead in race two, the Australian rider is eager to continue his winning run.

Brookes claimed a double at Thruxton during his 2015 title charge and feels the key to conquering the circuit will be maintaining tyre wear at a track traditionally tough on tyres.

“The circuit has a few secrets and this is particularly noticeable when I manage the tyre wear,” Brookes said. “The abrasive surface and the long radius turns make it hard to manage the tyre so bike set up is critical. 

“I enjoy the art of bike set up, it’s such a big part of racing and often drives you mad when it’s not going well but also extremely rewarding when you get it right.

“Thruxton has always been a track that I’ve liked because of its unique layout. It’s not comparable with anywhere else I’ve ridden in the world – and it’s the track where I had my first podium and win. The season has thrown some hurdles but it’s very clear to see we are gaining momentum, and the timing couldn’t be better.”

Brookes’s double at Brands Hatch has moved him up to fourth in the BSB riders’ standings as he looks to close the gap on championship leader Leon Haslam who currently holds a comfortable 80-point advantage in the full season standings, plus 22 more Podium Points (38) to nearest challenger Jake Dixon (16).