Jeep King of the Mountain Series #2 Winner: Brian Lopes

Full Name: Brian Thomas Lopes

Nickname: Who knows??? BL, Chingon, and a few others

DOB: Sept. 6th, 1971

Years Racing: 31

Sponsors: GT, Oakley, Marzocchi, Kenda, Easton, Bell, Hayes, Sun Ringle, Fizik Saddles, Shimano, Sunline Headsets, ODI Grips, MRP Chain guides, Kicker

Titles: 3 time World Champ, 6 time World Cup overall Champ, 9 time National Champ

How has this season ranked among all your years of racing?

So far it has been pretty good. I have had some pretty amazing years in the past, so I wouldn't say it is my best ever, but it is good and I am satisfied with it so far. Started off the season with a 2nd at the first World Cup and then won the next 3 World Cups after that, clinching the title with one race still to go. That alone makes the season good, but getting a DH win at Crankworxs and winning a Jeep race makes the year even better.

Who have been some of your toughest opponents?

Prokop is always one of the toughest guys no matter which kind of gated race, but Polc has been doing really good this year on the 4x World Cup circuit along with a bunch of other Euro's. Graves is always fast as well, no matter what kind of race.  Houseman,  has shown that he can still put together some good results this year.

World Cup champ again! How many more you have in you?

 Good question... I am sure I have more in me physically, it is just a matter of wanting it mentally. There comes a point when you want to set new goals for yourself and go after something new and different, so not sure if I will race the entire series of World Cup 4x races next year or if I will just pick certain races that I love. Over the next few months I will be figuring out my 08 plans.

How important is the Jeep Series Events to your schedule?

It is important, but not at the top of my list. The TV coverage is great of course, especially in the US where we don't get much TV time and the money is good also, so those factors come into play. I would say it is 3rd on my list this year behind the World Cup series and the World Championships.

 Give one piece of Sponsorship advice for the amateur athlete out there.

I would say first of all that you should race, ride, compete in whatever sport it is you love because of just that, you love doing it. Not because you want to be sponsored. I would tell someone who gets a sponsor to communicate with them on a regular basis and do all you can to show your appreciation for your relationship. Don't take any sponsor for granted because there are always others out there that would love to take what you have.

Thank anyone? All my sponsors, family, friends, and fans that have always stuck by me and helped me out through the good and bad times...

Brian Lopes

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www.brianlopes.com