Published February 20, 2024
It looks like it’s going to be a big year for British talent Joe Brooks, having signed with the 426 Motorsport team, where he won the British MX2 Championship with Isaac Gifting last year. Brooks continues to work hard and got off to a good start to the season with a 10-18 finish in the MX2 moto at the Somières International in hard pack conditions in France.
This weekend Brooks will be racing at the famous Hawkstone International near his home in the UK and is looking forward to riding at the front of the MX2 class.
We caught up with Brooks after Somières International.
GateDrop: Joe, you signed with the 426 Motorsports team for 2024. Isaac Gifting has a big job ahead of him after winning his MX2 British title last year…but wouldn’t he have been happy to secure a ride with the team?
brooks: I am very excited to have the opportunity to drive under the 426 Motorsports banner this season. I have a great team around me and I’m looking forward to the 2024 season.
GateDrop: How are your winter preparations going so far? Have you been in the UK or cycled in Europe?
brooks: Winter preparations for this season are progressing very well. I’ve been training for a few weeks in Spain, getting used to the bike and feeling stronger every day.
GateDrop: Did you make any major changes this winter or did you keep things similar to previous years?
brooks: This offseason has been a little different than previous years, mainly because I’ve been able to ride more and have some experienced people around me, which has greatly improved my riding and fitness. Because it has improved.
GateDrop: You just competed at the Somière International, and you had a very productive day. Can you tell us about your moto?
brooks: Yes, I took part in the Sommières International Race over the weekend and I was very happy with the race against a strong line-up. In moto 1 I had a good start inside the top 4 and managed to settle into a good rhythm around 7th place until a few small mistakes crept in in the last few laps and some riders passed me. . In Moto 2, unfortunately I didn’t get the best start and collided with another rider on the first lap, making it a tough race, but I was still able to gain valuable experience against the top riders. .
GateDrop: You were competing against the top EMX250 riders, but I think that will give you confidence heading into 2024.
brooks: It certainly gave me a lot of confidence to be able to compete with the top riders in the EMX250 class. We were also given some areas that we need to work on to correct some mistakes and have a strong 2024 season.
GateDrop: You must be looking forward to Hawkstone International on the Rough Sands this weekend, right? It’s always packed!
brooks:Hawkstone is always a great event, packed with riders and spectators, and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m still really looking forward to it, although I hope the British weather stays as muted as possible and we can have a great race.
GateDrop: What are your expectations for EMX250 and the British Championship in 2024?
brooks: I’m going to give 100% effort this season and see how far I can get. It’s going to be a very strong line-up in both the British and EMX250 series, so I’m really looking forward to maximizing my potential as well.
GateDrop: You have raced in the EMX250 series, what do you think about the series? There is so much talent and diversity when it comes to the tracks…
brooks: I raced a few EMX250 races last season and I think the series is really well organized. It’s great to be able to race against the fastest riders on the best circuits in the world and it will help me a lot when I get back to racing in the UK.
Interview: Andy McKinstry
Image: Kevin Frelaud/Dailymotocross.fr