Former Bennetts British Superbike Champion Josh Brookes goes into this weekend’s Thruxton round carrying the momentum of his first double win of the season but says that setup is crucial for managing tyre wear at the Hampshire circuit.
Because the track is abrasive and very fast, the rate at which tyres run out of grip is all-important at Thruxton but the Australian has won five of his last six races at the venue, all on Yamaha machinery.
“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,” said the Bringelly Bullet.
“The season has thrown some hurdles but it’s very clear to see we are gaining momentum, and the timing couldn’t be better. The circuit has a few secrets too and this is particularly noticeable when I manage the tyre wear.
“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 setup, 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.”