Joe Brookes believes his breakthrough EMX250 podium in Portugal has finally answered the biggest question that has followed him throughout his career – whether he could convert his undeniable speed into race results.
Feature Image courtesy of Joe Brookes
The British youngster produced two superb rides to claim his maiden EMX250 overall podium, fighting his way through the field in the second moto to finish third against one of the most competitive line-ups in Europe.
Speaking to Dirt Hub, Brookes admitted the result meant so much because it came after a difficult start to the season, which included an off-season injury, bike issues and another injury that forced him to miss the previous EMX250 round in Italy.
“I think everyone knows I’ve got the speed,” explained Brookes.
“I think everyone’s question is more so, can he do it in the races? This weekend I’ve proved that to everyone.”
For several seasons, Brookes has consistently shown impressive pace in qualifying and practice, but he admits people had started to question whether he could consistently put two strong motos together.
“I’ve had the narrative played out already that I’m only good for a fast lap or I can’t string two motos together.”
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The Portugal podium wasn’t built on one perfect start either. After battling arm pump late in the opening race, Brookes produced arguably the ride of the weekend in race two, carving his way through from outside the top ten to third.
For the talented youngster, that ride proved even more than the podium itself.
“To come through such a stacked field and get the result I did against some fast riders, it just shows that I’m not just good in qualifying and that I can come forward as well, not just start up front.”
Despite finally standing on the EMX250 podium, Brookes insists the job is far from finished.
His focus is now on building consistency for the remainder of the season before making the step into the MX2 World Championship next year.
“I just need to keep my head down. Don’t let this get to me and just try to do this for the rest of the season now and keep pushing towards the front where I know I can be.”
With renewed confidence and one of the biggest results of his career now behind him, Brookes heads into the second half of the season looking to prove that Portugal was just the beginning.
