Roads: Josh Brookes to make Isle of Man TT comeback with FHO Racing BMW

Josh Brookes will make his return to the Isle of Man TT this year onboard his FHO Racing BMW M1000RR.

The Aussie will contest both Superstock races, the Superbike TT and the blue-riband Senior TT race alongside Bennetts British Superbike Championship teammate Peter Hickman.

• Read an exclusive interview with Josh Brookes in this week’s issue of MCN.

It’s Brookes’ first visit to the 37.73-mile Mountain Course in five years. In 2018, Brookes secured a sensational fifth in the Senior TT onboard the Norton SG6. In that race, Brookes recorded a personal and manufacturer best of 131.745mph, making him the quickest Australian in TT history.

“I’m pleased it’s now out there and we can announce my return to the TT,” Brookes said. “It’s one of the most common subjects I get asked throughout the year at BSB, the fans always want to know; ‘are you coming back to the TT?’, will you ever be back?’, and ‘do you want to come back?’ It’s good to have the box ticked and now be able to say it’s happening!

“Like all the other times I’ve been to the TT I’m both nervous and excited. It’s a big event and it’s thrilling, but it does create nerves and it’s full of emotion. FHO Racing has a great background at the event with all they achieved last year, I also have both the perfect and potentially the worst teammate with Pete.

“The event has changed a little since I last raced in 2018, with the new schedule for this season with the change in the practice format and the Senior moved to the final Saturday, but I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and riding the Mountain course once again.”

Brookes made his TT debut in 2013, becoming the fastest-ever newcomer at that time by recording a 127.726mph on his way to finishing 10^th in the Superbike race. In 2014 he bettered his result in the Senior race finishing seventh, as well as securing 10th in the Superbike TT.

FHO Racing is the official BMW Motorrad UK supported team on the Roads, as well as in the British Superbike Championship. In 2022 making its TT debut, the team celebrated a hat-trick of wins with Hickman in the Superbike, Senior and Superstock races.

“I’m very excited to have Josh joining us for the TT this year, he has a good history at the event securing the fastest newcomer lap in 2013 and he’s also achieved some good results, especially in the Senior TT having finished fifth previously,” Team Owner, Faye Ho said.

“Although BSB is our main priority with Josh for this season, he was keen to return to the TT after a five-year break and we were happy to support him in the Superbike, Senior and Superstock races on the M 1000 RR. I can’t wait to see him in action out there, and I think alongside Pete, we will have a strong presence at the TT.”

The TT gets underway on Monday May 29. With a new-look schedule for 2023, the RST Superbike race is schedule for Sunday June 4, the two RL360 Superstock races on June 6 and June 9, and the Milwaukee Senior TT taking place on Saturday  June, 10.

• Read an exclusive interview with Josh Brookes in this week’s issue of MCN.