The Biker Place

The Biker Place has an interview with young motorcycle racer Ryan Brain.

What first got you interested in motorcycle racing and who inspired you to get involved?

Watching my Dad racing, him and his mates used to go to local tracks and I really wanted to join in. I also watched any races I could on TV. I think it was my Dad who first inspired me as he was having such a good time.

What advice would you give to any youngsters (or their parents) if they were interested in getting involved in motorcycle racing?

Have a good look at the various Internet sights - such as The Biker Place, you can ask questions on the message boards. People love this hobby and are really welcoming and they will offer any help they can, especially to people starting out. Come along to one of the race meetings to really get a feel for what is involved and have a chat to the riders and their parents, they love talking about their bikes! Find out where your local track is, often they have practice evenings and some such as Minimoto racing in Swindon have hire bikes, so you can give it a go.

How much time do you put into training/practicing to be a competitive racer?

As much as I can, you have to be committed, I’m racing 2 bikes in 3 National Championships, and my Metrakit 50 in two Championships, which means travelling to a race track most weekends. Some of them are a long way, any free weekends my Dad has to spend on maintenance of the bikes so I’m also beginning to learn more about the engines. I also practice at Whilton Mill in Northamptonshire,as there isn’t a track nearer to Birmingham. I use this time to improve my riding skills and to practice different riding styles.

To date what has been your most memorable moment/acheivement in racing?

Coming third in the Phoenix National Minimoto Winter Series on my production bike - it was my first full championship and I didn’t expect to do so well.

And, what has been your worst/most disappointing moment in racing?

When my spark plug broke on the start - finish straight at Whilton Mill I was winning my Proddy race, when the bike just stopped, there was nothing I could do but watch everyone go past me.

Since you began racing have you had any battles or rivalries with any other particular riders?

There are two riders who always make racing fun - Zac Corderoy and Joe Francis. We have had many battles for podium position, quite often we’re wheel to wheel for the whole race. They ride in the same classes and the same championships that I do, so they are my rivals but also my friends.

What competitions are you competing in this year and what bike(s)?

All three of the Phoenix Championships, SEMRC, LCRRC, NEMRC in the Production A class on my Proddy and the 4.2 Junior B class on my 4.2

The MMRA British Championship in the Junior Production A class on my Proddy and the Junior Light Class on my 4.2

The National Pocket Bike Championship in the Junior 4.2 class, Junior Production Class and GP50 Standard class on my Metrakit

The Fab Racing Championship on my Metrakit 50

What were your expectations going into this season, and at this stage how have you done compared to those expectations?

I thought I might win a couple of races but I didn’t think I would be leading any championships. I was really surprised to come third on my second ever race on my Metrakit as I’ve never ridden with gears before that was cool.

What would be your ideal career path in motorcycle racing from where you are now?

Next year I will be concentrating on riding the Metrakit geared bike, I will also move up to an 80, this will give me experience for when I am 12 next year and I move on to 125s. I can’t wait cause you get to ride at Donnington. From there I hope I’ll be spotted and offered some sponsorship or a team bike and then race in Moto GP, British Superbikes or World Superbikes.

Any people in particular you would like to thank or mention for getting to where you are so far?

Everyone I’ve met in the paddock, everyone has offered advice or practical help. Most of all my Dad, I couldn’t do it without him to look after the bikes and my Nan and Grandad who support me every step of the way, my Nan makes me sandwiches to take with me to practice and my Grandad comes to watch, he’s so proud he shows all his friends my newspaper clippings every time I’m in the local paper. I’d also like to thank the people behind the scenes at NPS, Phoenix, MMRA and Fab, without them I wouldn’t be having this much fun.

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