After a long, successful career, former 125cc AMA National Champion Mike Brown has taken his passion in a new direction, moving from the hectic AMA Supercross/Motocross circuits to the off-road world, competing in the WORCS Racing championship where he is the current points leader.
Brown has achieved tremendous success aboard his Factory KTM this season.
Applying his skills and knowledge from the vigorous battles done on high-paced motocross tracks and technical supercross tracks, Brown has assembled a new way of life on motorcycles.
“I grew up riding bikes in the woods, so the transition from supercross/motocross to off-road was pretty easy,” he said.
Brown turned pro in 1989 and competed in his first full season of AMA Supercross/Motocross in 1991. After finishing third back-to-back years in the 125cc FIM World MX Championship (’99 & ’00), Brown returned stateside to win the 2001 125cc AMA Motocross championship, capturing three overalls and an additional seven runner-up finishes. Over that span, he has become one of the most recognizable names in racing and is still a fan favorite.
In 2009 alone, he’s competed in AMA Supercross, AMA Motocross, GNCC and is currently leading the WORCS championship with four races to go. Riding for the KTM Factory race team, he’s on par for one of the best seasons of his career. To date, he’s finished 5-1-3-5-3-2 at the first six WORCS races of the season.
Brown flying high at Lake Havasu to grab another podium.
“For me, doing the off-road championships is a lot less pressure and very enjoyable,” stated Brown while at his home in Tennessee. “I am able to focus on the title in a less-intense environment.”
‘Brownie’ did turn some heads this summer with his results at the opening round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Glen Helen where he finished 8th and 7th in the day’s motos, good for seventh overall.
“I was racing out of a box van, doing my own program with little pressure to do well, and I enjoyed myself,” he explained.
As one of the most tenured members of the Thor/Parts Unlimited squad, Brown considers the brand to be one where he is part of a family that is omnipresent in all forms of professional racing.
“I have been with Thor and Parts Unlimited for a long time and use their products to help me achieve my goals as a racer,” he added. “The gear not only performs well but it looks cool and is cutting edge.”
A hard charging Brown at the WORCS Series’ Hollister round.
As it stands, Brown is entering the annual four-week “summer” break in the WORCS series and hopes to continue his success, holding just a one point lead over second-place rival Bobby Bonds.
“In all of my years of racing, this has definitely been one of my most memorable,” said Brown. “I have been on the podium at most of the WORCS races and hope to continue my success.”
The seasoned veteran has gone back to the basics at this stage of his career and is taking full advantage of the more relaxed approach to racing.
“The sport of motocross racing has become so big since I began my career, and being able to compete at this level has brought back memories from when I was younger,” he said.
While Brown’s pursuit of excellence continues, he’s happy to do so with the support of the Thor/Parts Unlimited family.
“I would like nothing more than to earn the WORCS championship and give Thor and Parts Unlimited another title.”
During the next four weeks, Brown will hone in on his next goal and hopefully give the brands another well-deserving title. When his racing career ends, he hopes to continue his relationship with Parts Unlimited.
“I’ve talked to Hylton Beattie at Parts to see what I can do for a job when my racing career comes to a close.”
