British privateer Joe Brookes has made a significant mid-season switch of machinery, with the young racer moving from Triumph to Honda for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
Images courtesy of Insight Media
Brookes has shown blistering speed this year, both on British soil and while competing in EMX250, but that pace hasn’t always been reflected in the results. A mechanical issue while running in a career-best fourth place at Trentino was one of the factors behind the move.
Currently sitting fifth in the British MX2 Championship after three rounds, Brookes is aiming for more, as he explained when Dirt Hub caught up with him to discuss his season so far and his decision to change bikes for the remainder of the year.
Dirt Hub: This season has already seen quite a few ups and downs for you. Sum up how you feel it’s gone for you so far…
Joe: I think this season hasn’t gone too badly so far, if I’m honest. Results on paper tell a story, and I understand that. I came into the season on the back foot a little with a pectoral injury sustained in Spain in the preseason, so I came into the season with no preseason races or time to test the new 2026 bike that had been developed. In the British Championship, I have poled two of three rounds and missed pole by 0.066 at Lyng…my speed is there. It was great to grab a podium at Preston and nearly grab an EMX250 podium in Arco, but less said about that the better…
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DH: You recently announced a switch to Honda after starting the season on Triumph machinery. What was behind the decision to change bikes mid-season?
Joe: Yeah, gearbox issues have caused issues this season with me and others on the same machinery. We are a small team, and everyone puts in 110% for me to be on the line, and to be let down by the bike issue hurts everyone, not just me.
DH: It’s a big deal to change mid-season. Is this something you have been looking at or thinking about for a while or have you been trying other bikes out?
Joe: No, honestly, if I told you the timeline of things, you’d be shocked. Let’s just say I was on a Honda the Tuesday after Arco, thanks to a personal sponsor, Mark Skuse of Domestic Drains Services. I have not tried another bike and rode a Honda for the first real time in anger today (yesterday)!
DH: You have shown great speed this year, which hasn’t been reflected in your results. Has that been frustrating for you?
Joe: You could say frustrating, but I know what I’m capable of. I’m working hard with those around me to maximise every session on the bike and come out swinging for every race.
DH: Do you feel you will need a bit of time to get used to the Honda, or do you feel you will be just as fast quite quickly?
Joe: No, honestly, I feel good, it’s a great bike and will only get better. I have a structure in place to get me ready for Landrake. The small team around me are all in and ready for the challenge. I have two days of testing with K-Tech starting tomorrow and then a couple of days with Ryan from 4Power.
DH: What are your aims for the rest of the season?
Joe: To win, this is why we line up behind the gate, right? A top-three finish overall in the British would be great, and a podium in EMX would be the cherry on top. I know this is achievable; I just have to execute.
DH: Is there anyone you would like to thank for their support?
Joe: Yes, Family first, my Mum, Dad, & Brother Louis support me with everything they have. Louis is a great help to me and will test for me when I’m away and give me valuable feedback. My Mechanic ‘Drive’ Gary Finch, Ash Wilde and Alan Milway for the hard work behind the scenes.
