Brian Wheeler Profile
Brian’s love for motocross started at the young age of just 5 years old. A natural at the sport with the ability to go far. He raced at local meetings and was soon winning races. He progressed up through the different classes, as he did so the bikes got bigger and faster. He was voted ‘Rider of Year’ in 19XX by the TMX.
He started to compete in the British Championships travelling up and down the country. In 1987 he won the support race for the British GP, held at Farleigh Castle. At that time Gordan Wheeler helped him out with O’Neil kit and it just happened that the USA rep was over watching the GP. He was so taken back by Brian that he awarded him in American Dollars. This is something that Brian has never forgotten.
Over the years his experiences gained in racing were put to the test when he decided to go professional. This was a big decision to make, and a lot at stake. Gordan Jones had the KTM import rights and he helped Brian out at this time. There was a lot of travelling to be done and Brian struggled with the driving, mechanicing and racing on his own. He had friends that would go along and help out, without them he couldn’t have done it. Eventually he had to pay for a mechanic to be with him full time. This was tough as every penny Brian won through qualifying for the GP’s was given out in wages, travelling expenses and fuel. People think it’s a wonderful life but it isn’t all a bed of roses.
Brains’ best position in a GP was fourth and he managed to clock up a couple of those. In Belgium Brian was known to be a real crowd puller, the Brits loved him. He would always put on a show for them. Even now when Brian goes back to Belgium to watch the races, the Brits always recognise him.
Brains’ riding ability couldn’t be faulted but it’s not all about riding a bike. You have to train to keep the body fit and healthy. This part of motocross was not Brains’ strong point.
In 1992/93 Brian was asked together with Jared Smith to join the RWJ team.
Finally with the pressures of a young family to support Brian had to announce he was retiring from motocross. How could he still not be involved……….well he became a mechanic for Rob Herring with RWJ and also for Mark Hucklebridge with M J Church. There was still a lot of travelling and being away from home. Brian missed his children so decided to get a job where he was his own boss. He now runs a successful taxi business.
Motocross still plays a prominent part in Brians life as his son Bradley now rides. It only seemed the most natural step to take becoming a Motocross Coach. So, along with Mark Hucklebridge, who of course Brian mechaniced for, they became ‘The Professionals’ Motocross Training School. They put themselves through the ACU course and are now ACU affiliated coaches.
