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| April 25, 2012 News |
| GoRotax.com Driver of the Month Presented by eKartingNews.com - March 2012 - Christian Brooks |
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 | Brooks locked up the Gatorz Challenge of the Americas Mini Max title with a double win weekend at CalSpeed
(Photo: Sean Buur - Go Racing Magazine) |
Thanks to the new partnership between MAXSpeed Group and eKartingNews.com, a monthly program has been devised to promote outstanding drivers in the Rotax Max Challenge. The new program - GoRotax.com Driver of the Month presented by eKartingNews.com - is based off a similar program the leading karting website offers each month, focused on the United States ‘Rotaxians’. Each month, the staff at MAXSpeed and EKN will determine one driver to profile who promotes Rotax and karting in general in a positive fashion, along with standing out on-track. Each driver’s accomplishments will be highlighted, in addition to getting to know the Driver of the Month.
One of the great results of the Rotax Max Challenge in the United States has been the early education that young racers receive in the Micro and Mini Max categories. While not only having fun at the race track, they are learning the art of racecraft at a very early age. A driver that has excelled in the Micro Max division and is now at the top level in the Mini Max category is Christian Brooks. The 2011 US Rotax Max Challenge Grand Nationals champion is well on his way to another successful season in 2012. With two wins at the Gatorz Challenge of the Americas series finale at the CalSpeed Karting facility in Fontana, California, Brooks clinched the Mini Max championship. His efforts helped gain the title of GoRotax.com Driver of the Month presented by eKartingNews.com for the month of March.
The finale weekend of the Gatorz program saw Brooks, at his home track, show the way throughout day one. Qualifying on pole, Brooks was shuffled back out of the lead early in the Prefinal. Working his way back up to the lead group toward the end, Brooks escaped with the win to lead the Mini Max field to the green flag for the Final. Brooks and title rival Sting Ray Robb broke away from the field, providing a great duel to the victory. Each took a turn at the point, running nose to tail the entire time to set up for an exciting last lap. Brooks was out front as they took the white flag, with Robb waiting until turn 7 to make his move. The result gave Brooks the favorable line through turn eight, forcing Robb to relinquish the spot again. Up to the top of the track and down to the stripe, Robb waited for a sling shot move. The finish came to just 64-thousandths of a second with Brooks earning his third victory of the season.
Events on Sunday provided some excitment as the final championship round unfolded. Brooks qualified second to start the Prefinal from outside row one. During the opening lap, contact dropped Brooks to the tail of the field. He would eventually finish ninth, setting up for a dramatic Final. Starting ninth, Brooks worked his way to the point and drove away to the victory. Up to the top-five by lap four, Brooks picked off kart by kart until securing the lead on lap nine. Once in the lead, he drove away to a sizable lead. Officials penalized Brooks three seconds for a starting procedure infraction, thus the size of his lead would determine on any loss positions once the checkered flag waved. After 18 laps, Brooks drove to a five second victory, giving him enough to secure the win in the final classifications and score the class championship. With the title, Christian earned a full paid trip back to the US Rotax Grand Nationals to defend his 2011 crown, thanks to the Gatorz Challenge of the Americas program.
 | GoRotax.com Driver of the Month - March 2012 - Christian Brooks
(Photo: Sean Buur - Go Racing Magazine) |
GoRotax.com Driver of the Month Presented by eKartingNews.com
March 2012 - Christian Brooks
Bio
Born: September 29, 2000
Hometown: Santa Clarita, California
Parents: Chris and Martine Brooks
Siblings: Cameron Brooks (7)
Height/Weight: 5’2” / 95lbs
Education: Mountainview Elementary School- 6th grade
Job: Kart Racer for BRK-Buddy Rice Karting
Racing Resume
Chassis: Energy
Engine Service Center: BRK Engines and J Power Engines Sponsors: MB2 Raceway Indoor Karting Centers, BRK- Buddy Rice Karting, DVS Shoes, Von Zipper Eyewear, Matix Clothing, Mechanics Wear, OMP, EXD4 Graphics, Bling Digits-Numbers for your neck, J Power
United States Rotax Max Challenge Home Series: Challenge of the Americas
Years Karting: 5
How did you get started in karting? My parents own MB2 Raceway Indoor Karting. When I was 6, I loved racing at MB2 so much and I was so fast, my Dad went and bought me my first kid kart
What has been the high point in your racing career? Becoming the 2011 United States Rotax Grand National Champion in Mini Max
What are your goals in racing? I would like to be in a driver development program and race F1. I would also like to be a motorsports role model for kids and teens to say NO to drugs!
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? My driving style is very smooth, but at the same time very aggressive.
2011 Accomplishments: United States Rotax Mini Max Grand National Champion, IKF Grand National Champion, Multiple IKF, SKUSA, Rotax wins and podiums
Likes
Favorite Track: CalSpeed Karting - My home track Favorite form of professional motorsports: F1 and Indy
Favorite karting driver: Matt Johnson (he’s my homie!!)
Favorite professional driver: I have two favorite driver’s - Buddy Rice (of course). He is my mentor on and off the track. He has taught me so much since I have been on his team. I have a lot of respect for him and all his accomplishments! Bryan Herta has been a family friend and has given me so much helpful advice. I hope one day in the future I can be a successful Indy driver and team owner like him.
Favorite website: eKartingNews.com and mb2raceway.com
Favorite movie: Senna
Favorite actor/actress: Sandra Bullock - (she is hot!)
Favorite music/group: Eminem Favorite vacation/activity spot: Hawaii
Favorite food: Sushi
The Real Deal
What do you do when not at the track? I race at MB2, scooter, snowboard and wakeboard!
What are your goals outside of karting? I want to get good grades!
What type of street car do you drive? Too young to drive
What type of street car would you like to drive? Bugatti
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? When kids think it’s cool to do drugs!
What is your favorite aspect about racing in the Rotax Max Challenge program? You know your getting the highest level of competition in the US!! Rotax Challenge is a very professional series as well! |
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