Brookes to substitute for Hopkins

Brookes to stand-in for Hopkins in the first round of the 2012 WSB championship at Phillip Island

Posted: 14 February 2012
by Visordown News

TYCO SUZUKI'S Josh Brookes has been drafted in to substitute for the injured John Hopkins at the first World Superbike round at Phillip Island.

Hopkins broke his right hand yesterday whilst testing at the Australian circuit. After an initial X-ray it was discovered that the American had fractured a bone in the base of his hand, near to what is left of his fourth finger.

For the opening round of the 2012 WSB season, Crescent Fixi have recruited Brookes to stand-in. The British Superbike rider has experience on the World stage, on both Supersport and Superbike machinery.

Brookes said: “It’s not actually a complete shock that I’ve got the ride. Sure, John crashing wasn’t in Crescent’s plans, but based on the fact that I am a Suzuki rider in the UK it all makes sense that I would be the first in line to get the seat, especially because I am familiar with the bike and Pirelli tyres. I’m sure I will do a good job and give the Aussie fans another rider to cheer on.”

“I’m currently employed by Suzuki and have done a season racing on the GSXR 1000. I have to say I’m very grateful to Phillip Neil from TAS Suzuki for allowing me to ride. Without their support I couldn’t do it. I don’t put any extra pressure on myself, I’m just going to ride the best I can and make the most of the opportunity.”

Brookes will take part in the official two-day WSB test on 20th-21st February, before the first round on the 26th.



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Discuss this story


R30Paul
Hope he doesn't take anyone (or more!) out in the first race of a series he is not contesting..."I’m just going to ride the best I can" thats 'prolly what the rest of the WSB guys are worried about ;-)

Posted: 14/02/2012 at 13:11


exemint x
I bet ginters goes out on the sighting lap behind Brookes. I can't believe JV would have him in the team, looks like an on high decision (Denning?)

Lets hope Josh (it's not my fault) Brookes has a clean race and not play skittles with motor bikes again.

Posted: 14/02/2012 at 13:51


Pagik
I have to say, he does have "form", whilst I agree with the "it's bike racing, not knitting" ethos, he is certainly a bit of a lose cannon. I reckon he'll be ok, but they'll be a few that will be wondering..Guinters for sure....

Posted: 14/02/2012 at 15:22


mobus
As much as i like him i think it might be an expensive weekend for crescent.

Posted: 14/02/2012 at 16:18


Pagik
Think you might be right there..........

Posted: 14/02/2012 at 16:37


Pagik
A mate of mine is having his 10th wedding anniversary party the weekend of P.I.

It's just bloody inconsiderate imo.

Posted: 14/02/2012 at 17:01


Joel Peart
Brookes is lightning around Phillip Island. Won as a wildcard there racing World Supersport a few years back.

It would seem that a rider has to be retired or deceased for people to admire their attitude, character and talent. If a "loose cannon" is someone who always pushes the limit, won't back down in a scrap and wants to win races more than championship points, then bring on the loose cannons!!

Posted: 15/02/2012 at 06:41


Pagik
Don't think anyone's saying he's not a great talent. There's no doubt there, but you cannot argue with facts. He was excluded at Cadwell last year for causing a crash. The year before at Mallory Park he took out 6 other riders trying what everyone could see was NEVER going to come off. Was then banned for 2 races.

I don't even recall him apologising...I rate Josh, I really do, but does he take charm lessons from Casey Stoner?

Posted: 15/02/2012 at 09:06


Rob M 9
He binned it on the test although walked away.. He's talented and can ride a bike quickly, but at the minute, there are more talented riders than seats and I'm sure a few others could have popped into that place as well.

Posted: 15/02/2012 at 11:10


I bader
Casey is not going to be charming people at the races just as Mick doohan wouldnt be. These guys are out there to WIN! thats it nothing more. Brookes was overly challenging in his first year on bsb tracks trying to take on to much i agree, however i did recall him apologizing.
take a deep breathe will ya

Posted: 15/02/2012 at 13:39


Joel Peart
To be fair, he took out ONE rider at Mallory. The rest fell over as a result but not much he could do about that. I think the sport needs to be careful in dishing out penalties for crashing. Riders don't intend to do it -which sounds blindingly obvious - but I reckon it's something often forgotten. You'd get the impression reading some commentaries that for Brookes, jumping off motorbikes was a hobby.

Not to get all weepy, but after he took the time to have a chat and pass on a few riding tips at a Phillip Island track day a few years back, I've never wanted a rider to do so well as this bloke.

Posted: 16/02/2012 at 03:59

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