Josh Brookes during his maiden assault at the Isle of Man TT.

Josh Brookes has written about his experience on debut in the 2013 Isle of Man TT in a blog released by his Tyco Suzuki team.

Brookes starred early on in the event with the newcomer’s lap record on his way to 10th in the Superbike TT race with a 127.726mph lap. He struggled in the Superstock race after stretching his chain, then was later ruled out of the Senior TT with a mechanical problem.

“I’m really happy how the TT started for me as I was under no pressure to perform,” Brookes wrote. “I did kind of have high hopes after the first couple of practice sessions, but that’s a natural progression. The fact that I set the newcomer’s lap record in the Superbike TT was a great thrill.

“I knew I’d done well but I still had lots to learn, so again I had high hopes of some progression in the Senior TT to possibly extend the newcomer’s lap record a little. The first two sectors are not my strongest, but if you do the maths from that first lap, for sure I’d have gone quicker.

“Yes I’m a bit disappointed not to see my true potential and I could say, ‘well there’s always next year,’ but in 2014 I’ll just be one of the regular guys and not a newcomer.

“In saying that, we all know the TT is a difficult place and you only have to look at the likes of Gary Johnson breaking down when challenging for the lead to know how cruel the place is on a rider and motorbike.

“So my challenge in the future is to finish a race and conserve the motorbike and let the results come after that.”

Brookes was also pleased to establish a close relationship with road course teammate Guy Martin throughout the event.

“Working with Guy has been great,” he continued. “I knew a bit about him before the TT as he’s a famous face, but my opinion of him has changed. We got time to socialise and had many laughs in the race truck waiting on sessions to start.

“I have to say he was really open with the information that he gave me and answered every question I asked. He was very helpful and really encouraged me and I enjoyed the jokes and banter.”

Brookes will now turn his attention to the British Superbike Championship as it resumes at Knockhill this weekend.

“The boys all did a great job during a demanding fortnight, but now it’s back to BSB this weekend at Knockhill, but for sure I want to go back to the TT,” Brookes added. “I’ve been doing laps in my head since I left the place!

“My focus this week will be on Knockhill and mentally preparing to win again in BSB. I’m sure the first session will seem a bit strange but after that I will be back in my normal routine.”