Jacob Brown: Racetracks and Tattoos

Jacob Brown says he’s easy to spot at the racetrack: just look for the guy with a scowl on his hoodie-obscured face. Appearances, Brown assures, aren’t what they seem. He roadraces because it’s fun, and he’s one of the most approachable guys in the paddock.

Brown, who lives in Olympia, Washington, is in his fourth year of roadracing. He takes his 2008 R6 to WERA West and OMRRA events, and this year he’ll add AMA SuperSport to his resume.

Like many racers, Brown decided to do a track day for fun, but was immediately hooked. He sold his street bikes and started participating in track days. The need to compete, though, soon took hold.

“I was just doing track days, but a buddy said he was getting his novice license to go race,” Brown explains. “I said, ‘Well, I’m as fast as you. I want to do it, too.’”

That attitude is what has helped turn Brown into one of the top five 600 riders in OMRRA. He won a handful of races during his novice year, and he took third in the championship despite running only a partial season. Brown also likes taking his 600 out in the classes dominated by 1000cc motorcycles. “Formula Ultra is the built 1000s. A handful of us go out there and try to race against the 1000s. It’s some of the most fun I’ve had in racing,” Brown says.

Surprisingly, it’s not the wins but the crashes that stand out in Brown’s memory. He says, “I tend to focus on the stuff that scares me! I’ve had a couple of bizarre wrecks. I broke my ankle in one, and in another I highsided in turn one at Portland. I try to use those to remind myself not to do stupid stuff when I’m racing.”

Outside of racing, Brown prefers quieter hobbies, like golf, going to the beach, and riding quads. His one obsession outside of racing is evident if you ever get a peek of Brown without his requisite hoodie. “I’m addicted to tattoos,” Brown says. “I have two full sleeves on my arms, one of my lower legs is covered, my side, my chest. I’ve probably spent as much money on tattoos as I have on my race bike.”

Brown races under the Five-0 Racing banner. The team was his brainchild and includes riders Dave Hall, Chase Major and Krystyna Kubran. The team, Brown says, “was mainly me needing a reason to start a website and have stickers! Chase and Dave and I all started racing about the same time. They didn’t have much say in being on my team!”

If you ever run into Brown and the Five-0 Racing crew at the track, don’t be shy. “I’m actually a nice guy and it’s okay to come say hi,” Brown assures. “I’m not some angry, psycho tattooed freak. Come by the pit and say hello.”

http://www.five-0racing.com