We experienced a real boost in traffic earlier this week when we released a Catching Up interview with Australia’s World Superbike regular Josh Brookes. I knew he’d have plenty on his mind after Shaun Muir Racing opted not to re-sign him for 2017 after a disappointing year, but wasn’t expecting the detail he went into.

At 33 years of age, Brookes has been around the block, so to speak, a lot of times. He knows what it takes to win races here in Australia from earlier in his career and has shown that same type of form with last year’s British title win. He’s no slouch on two wheels. Never has been.

I’ve known Brookes for as long as I can remember, in one way or another. He’s certainly a unique character, but well-likable, and has been hugely capable on two wheels since his childhood. Whether it was dirt bikes initially or road racing later, his skills are immense.

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That’s why it’s been so odd to see him struggle so much in WorldSBK this season. On paper, aside from having to switch from a Yamaha to BMW, the combination of reigning BSB champion Brookes and his familiar Milwaukee team had all the ingredients to feature inside the top five, potentially with podium results and even race wins.

But it’s been far from that. He’s been behind guys you’d never imagine and just hasn’t gelled with the S 1000 RR for all the reasons he noted in the story. And, sure, of course the Milwaukee team and even BMW Motorrad would have their sides of the story. Regardless, it’s just been a battle.

Brookes has had success at the world championship level before in Supersport, finishing third behind countryman Andrew Pitt and current WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea way back in 2008 before heading to the UK. He’d been over there ever since until this season.

Looking back to the 2008 season, Stiggy Motorsport Honda-mounted Brookes was a match for then Ten Kate Honda’s Rea on many occasions, finishing just two points apart at season’s end. There’s been lots of time passed since then, but still, Brookes has the potential.

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It’s unlikely he will be back on the WorldSBK grid next year aside from some kind of miracle, so instead we can either see him in BSB, the All-Japan series or even MotoAmerica. The last option is out of left-field, but just say he does go there and succeed, that’d be massive – an Australian, British and American championship in their respective premier classes!

Brookes would enjoy America. His motocross heritage has drawn attention to the US from a very young age – like many of us – and he’d be easily competitive on those tracks. Just look at Toni Elias this season if you need an indication how competitive the international racers are.

Personally, especially from an Aussie perspective, I hope Brookes can revitalise his career. He’s one of few Australians we have that is a proven winner toward the top levels of the sport overseas. And for the record, for the sport’s sake, it’d be good to see Milwaukee come good as well – preferably before Brookes departs.

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