Beth Brooks ’10 is comfortable around objects that move fast – really fast. Whether it is stopping a rock-hard field hockey ball hurtling at her body, or navigating a Ski-doo snowmobile traveling at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, the Littleton, N.H. native can handle the situation with confidence and a sense of calm.
Beth is a dental hygiene major and member of UNE’s field hockey team. What she has done prior to arriving at UNE is extremely unique. The past three winters, Beth has been a highly-successful snocross racer, competing in the circuit Rock Maple Racing (RMR) at venues all over New England.
Her path to becoming a snocross racer started at a young age and in a different sport. Beth began competitive motocross racing at the age of 13, racing dirt bikes around a track at what most would consider an alarming rate of speed. That summer she won her first championship – the Vermont Motocross Association Women’s Class. She was hooked.
It was then she really looked to make the next step in racing. Beth came up with a racing resume and began to procure sponsors in her local area. She also joined Bob Reynolds Racing. In the summer of 2002, Beth raced in three different circuits – Vermont Motocross Association, as well as Jolly Rogers and Canaan Lion’s Club in New Hampshire.
Despite her success, it seemed as if she was looking for another challenge. The winter of her sophomore year at Littleton High School, she decided to switch machines, if you will, to a snowmobile. Instantly, Beth experienced success, and since she was younger than 18, had to petition to move up in class. She also raced against men.
The following year she bought a new Ski-doo with Bob Reynolds Racing. That winter she raced in four classes: Women’s Novice, Women’s Pro, Women’s Sport 500 and Women’s Sport 600. In February of 2005 she suffered a setback, breaking her wrist after a collision on the first corner of a race. That accident failed to deter her determination and passion for the sport.
Beth’s senior year of high school coincided with what would prove to be a successful winter of racing. She participated in Rock Maple Racing and had strong showings in events all over the region. Her best outing of the season was a second-place finish in the RMR Pro Women’s Stock 600cc, which earned her $100. “I still have the check receipt for that one,” she says.
In her first season of collegiate field hockey, Beth also experienced success as a goalie. She appeared in eight matches, recording four wins with one shutout.
Now that she is off to college, what does the future hold for Beth in terms of racing?
“I told my parents I was done,” Beth says. “But I really want to do it some more. My mom kind of freaked out when I told them, but my dad was like ‘I knew you wanted more’.”
Questions and Answers with Beth Brooks:
How did you get your start in racing? “My family has always been around motors. I began sitting on my father’s gas tank when I was one-year-old, and bought my first snowmobile when I was nine. My dad also raced competitively.”
Have your racing accomplishments brought you any notoriety? “I’ve been covered in several New Hampshire newspapers. Also, Channel 9 News in New Hampshire featured me in their “Hometown Heroes” segment.”
How would you compare the experience of participating in an individual sport like racing with playing on a team at UNE? “Even though you are racing individually in snocross, you are still part of a team. My dad (Scott) does all the maintenance on my machine and my mom (Teresa) is like the team manager. I also have a very close-knit extended family, who all provide me with a lot of support.”
Why did you choose to attend UNE? “UNE has one of the best dental hygiene programs around. I love the area and the fact that I am still able to play field hockey.”