Rob Brooks

A Weekend of Champions

Posted by Rob Brooks | Nov 20, 2019 | Industry & Racing |

Big News in the Worlds of MotoGP and NHRA

This past weekend heralded some big headlines in motorcycle racing. First, the “Marvelous Marquez Brothers” as we’ve dubbed them, made headlines twice, when both took the crowns in their respective classes in MotoGP. And then Repsol Honda announced that the Marc and Alex would race as teammates in the 2020 season, a first in MotoGP history. Also in that international race series, 5-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo rode his last race, having announced his retirement from road racing at the close of season this weekend at Valencia, Spain. In NHRA, Andrew Hines claimed his 6th NHRA Mello Yello Pro Stock Motorcycle drag racing title, after a tough season and near disastrous mistake at the starting line of the final season race.

Riding the Iron

Posted by Rob Brooks | Nov 12, 2019 | Bikes & Gear |

The Sportster has been a staple in the Harley-Davidson lineup since 1957. In fact, the Sportster is the longest continually-running production model in the H-D universe, and quite possibly the longest anywhere in motorcycling. It has undergone many iterations, many upgrades, and a few pitfalls, but overall, the Sportster has always been and continues to be among the brands’ biggest sellers. It’s held a widely varying reputation, from entry-level Harley, to hooligan bike, and even racer. Like the famous Triumph Bonneville line, so many veteran riders see a Sportster and reminisce, “Yeah, I owned one of those, back in the day,…” as their eyes and voices trail off to chase some distant fond memory.

Anatomy of a Legend- Wayne Rainey Interview

Posted by Rob Brooks | Oct 31, 2019 | Ride Life |

Debate often arises in motorsports over the definition of a legend, and what constitutes legendary status. Is it the number of wins across a career? National and/or world titles? Is it philanthropic work, contributions to the sport and industry? Overcoming tragedy or adversity? Perhaps it’s personal honor, integrity, influence? By any definition-
Wayne Rainey is a legend.

A Trip to the Barber- Vintage Fest 2019

Posted by Rob Brooks | Oct 23, 2019 | Rides & Roads |

The 15th Annual Barber Motorsports Vintage Festival kicked off in a heat wave, but concluded with a cool change. Here in the Deep South, we had experienced unseasonably hot and dry conditions to kick off our Fall, with temps tapping the triple digits, accompanied by drought. Yet the enthusiasm for this annual gathering was neither diminished nor decreased, as record crowds were still predicted based on ticket sales, we were told. I had wanted to attend this massive event for years, and this was the year I cleared the calendar to make it happen.

LIVING WITH AN INDIAN

Posted by Rob Brooks | Oct 11, 2019 | Bikes & Gear |

Ever since the stunning debut of Indian’s flat track dominating FTR750 racer in 2016, riders have been clamoring for a street version. By the end of 2018, Indian delivered, unveiling the street FTR 1200 to much fanfare across the motorcycle industry. As their phrase declares, “Born in the Dirt; Built for the Street”, The FTR 1200’s DNA is clearly bred in racing. Tall suspension, tight wheelbase, flat tracker handlebars, trellis frame, even ADV on/off road rubber on cast aluminum rims, the bike screams hooligan, with a huge shout-out to its championship-winning 750 sibling.

MotoAmerica at Barber Motorsports

Posted by Rob Brooks | Sep 23, 2019 | Industry & Racing |

The MotoAmerica road racing season concluded at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama this past weekend, under sunny skies, warm temps, and atop fresh blacktop. And the racing was dramatic.

Road Dirt Promo Clip

Posted by Rob Brooks | Sep 20, 2019 | Ride Life |

Rob’s daughter Kelsey creates a cool Road Dirt intro/promo clip for the media brand. We think it’s quite cool.

2019 9-11 Ride to Remember

Posted by Rob Brooks | Sep 11, 2019 | Rides & Roads |

Mike Newell holds vivid memories of the day mass terrorism struck our shores on September 11, 2001. He felt a deep kindred spirit with those who lost their lives in New York, Washington DC, or the fields of Pennsylvania. Like all of us who recall that day, Mike remembers where he was, what he was doing, and the feeling of shock and horror as the reality of what unfolded sank in.

Don’t Panic!

Posted by Rob Brooks | Sep 4, 2019 | Nuts & Bolts, Ride Life |

My friend Steve came over to help me with an old bike I was working on, a 1969 Triumph T100. After we got the tune dialed in, we decided to ride it a few miles. I let Steve take the T100 first, and he handed me the keys to his 2003 BMW K1200RS. I had never ridden a Beemer before, so I had to familiarize myself with the German “cockpit” as we pulled out of my driveway and down the long, winding road by my property. With Steve behind me on the Triumph, we set off out through the countryside…