Josh Brookes to contest 2013 Isle of Man TT

While Brookes has been a visitor to the iconic Isle of Man road circuit in the past, and ridden parade laps in 2009, 2013 will mark his first competitive tilt at the dangerous road race circuit. Having sampled the atmosphere in and around the TAS Racing camp during TT Race Week, Brookes now feels the time is right to add his name to the entry list.

The 29-year-old will partner IoM TT Stalwart, Guy Martin in the Tyco Suzuki team, which is based in Northern Ireland, but will continue to run in BSB for Tyco in 2013. The class Brookes will run in at next June's TT has yet to be confirmed, but will likely be the Senior TT.

"I'm glad it's out in the open now as all the question about whether I was going to ride or not - and not being able to say anything - was getting a bit tiring," Brookes said from his NSW home.

"Since making the decision I've taken in some reconnaissance trips and spoken to a number of influential people. I fell in love with the place on my first visit back in 2009 and now that I'm with what I regard as the best team at the event in Tyco Suzuki - it gives me peace of mind.

"It's too early to be setting any goals. It's the beginning of a new project and we'll just see how it goes."

Brookes began racing in BSB in 2009 and to date has started over 100 races, winning eleven. He finished 2nd in the 2010 championship and also finished runner up overall this season, a campaign that included 20 podiums, contributing to 50 overall career BSB podiums.

The 2013 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy will take place from May 25 to June 7, 2013, with the main racing days from June 1 to 7. See www.iomtt.com for full schedule and further details.

Images: Isle of Man TT press