21-07-2017
Josh Brookes and the Anvil Hire Yamaha team head to the ‘garden of England’ this weekend and the Brands Hatch GP circuit, as they look to build on the momentum achieved at round five, as ‘Badboy’ aims to pick up more all-important podium credits
After picking up two vital podium finishes two weeks ago at Snetterton, notching up 40 points and six podium credits, the 2015 Champion Josh Brookes sits only 29 points behind Luke Mossey, who leads the way in the standings, and the Aussie has his eyes set firmly on top spot this weekend.
Returning from a successful test in Japan ahead of the high anticipated Suzuka eight-hour endurance race, he’s quickly turned his attention to round six of the MCE British Superbike Championship as he aims to pick up his, and the teams, first victory of the season at arguably his best track on the calendar.
Brookes still holds the lap record around the Grand Prix track, and has picked up a hatful of podium finishes and race wins during his MCE British Superbike career at the Kent based venue, most notably picking up four wins out of five in 2015, as he went on his way to lift the crown.
Following passing his CBT last week, Shaun Winfield heads to Kent full of confidence as he aims to add to his Championship points tally at his favourite track on the calendar. The 23-year-old Derbyshire man has trained hard in between races and is fully fit ahead of the trip down South.
The 2.4-mile nature amphitheatre track has played host to some of the very best racing, and has also given the team some amazing moments in the past, picking up three podiums in their superbike career in the last four seasons.
Speaking on his return to the UK, a determined and motived Josh ‘BadBoy’ Brookes said: “I’m feeling good, we’ve come off two good races at the last round and I want to carry on from there, when I won the title in 2015 this round was a good event so hopefully the same results can be repeated.
“The bike seems competitive, I’m riding well and I like the track so it’s hard to predict that it will happen again like it did in 2015. I certainly like the circuit, it’s one of the better ones we go too, but it’s a good track for a lot of the other riders, not just for me. The track has a nice layout, it’s a longer lap than some of the circuits we go too and I like the woodland section; the nature of the track is nice.
“I would expect to be racing with Shakey this weekend, but we have to focus on getting my own speed where it needs to be and I imagine he will be one of the main competitors, Leon will be fighting back after recovering from his injury, but there are a lot of riders that it would be disrespectful to count out.
“I’m hopeful that I can have a great race with Shakey but until we line up on the grid we’ll have to wait and see. I’m excited and pumped to get the track, it’s going to very difficult to predict and I’d rather do my talking on the tarmac.”
Shaun Winfield added: “I’m raring to go this weekend, its felt such a long time since I rode my bike, and I can’t wait to get down to Brands. I’ve been training hard in the break, and I feel a lot fitter, which will help as the GP circuit is a very physical track, but one I love.
“The Brands GP circuit is one everyone loves, it just has everything and as a team we have happy memories of there from the previous seasons where we have made the podium and I know we all are excited to get back there. I’m also excited to meet all the fans on Thursday afternoon at the Monster Energy event.
“Points are fully in my sights this weekend, and if I don’t pick up any I’ll be very disappointed, I know have the pace and I’ll show that.”
Team Manager Gary Winfield summed up by saying: “We’re more than ready for this weekend, we’ve enjoyed a good break and we’re up for the battle that it will bring. We knew that Snetterton would produce the goods, everyone has been working hard behind the scenes and it was all on show last time, but it’s time to kick on now.
“Brands is a wonderful circuit, and it will certainly create a great battle come Sunday. Josh knows what is expected from him this weekend, he’s only a handful of points behind first in the Championship and two solid results will once again push us closer, and podium credits are vital.
“Shaun needs to get back in the points after a couple of rounds out of them, he likes the track and is fully motivated to challenge the top 15, which we fully expect him to do. We’re not here to make up the numbers, we’re out to win, and our first British Superbike win is just around the corner.”