In the latest twist to the ongoing mercury scandal that has gripped the TROC Series, officials have announced they are bringing in **Brickie Rooks**, a renowned chemist, to conduct an independent investigation into the suspicious mercury found at New Smyrna Speedway. While Rooks’ credentials are beyond question—he’s an expert in chemical forensics and has worked on several high-profile cases—some in the paddock are raising concerns about his *other* background.
Before his career as a chemist, Brickie Rooks was a musician in a **Sonny and Cher** cover band. While most see this as just an interesting footnote in his colorful career, others believe it could present a conflict of interest in the investigation. And here’s why: **KW**, one of the drivers whose name has surfaced in the scandal, is not just a rival on the track—he’s also the **president of the Cher fan club in the southeastern United States**.
For some in the TROC Series, this connection is simply too close for comfort. The thought that KW might have ties to Brickie Rooks through their shared admiration for Cher has sparked rumors that the investigation might be compromised before it even begins.
“I’m not saying Rooks can’t do his job,” one anonymous team member said. “But when you’ve got this kind of connection, even if it’s just through music, people are going to talk. We need to make sure this investigation is 100% unbiased.”
Despite the concerns, TROC officials have stood by their decision to hire Rooks, emphasizing his qualifications and extensive experience in investigating chemical-related incidents. “Brickie Rooks is the best in the business,” said TROC Series director **Stormy Weathers III**. “His personal life has nothing to do with his professional integrity. We’re confident he’ll get to the bottom of this mercury situation, no matter where the evidence leads.”
**The Cher Connection**
The rumors surrounding Rooks and KW’s connection through the Cher fan club have nonetheless persisted, with fans and teams alike buzzing about whether this could impact the investigation. KW, who recently returned from a trip to the Bahamas with several pounds of mercury, has remained silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying his connection to Rooks.
“There’s no doubt that KW’s a huge Cher fan,” said another competitor. “Everyone knows about the fan club thing. But is he close enough to Rooks to influence the investigation? That’s the question everyone’s asking.”
For Brickie Rooks, this is hardly the first time his past in the music world has come up during his professional career, but it’s certainly the most high-profile instance. Rooks has previously dismissed any notion that his personal hobbies could interfere with his work. “I left the music scene a long time ago,” Rooks said in a recent interview. “My focus is entirely on chemistry now, and I intend to treat this investigation with the seriousness it deserves.”
**TROC’s Next Steps**
As Rooks begins his investigation, many are watching closely to see how transparent the process will be. With the championship on the line and multiple drivers—including Dalton Thorpe, Keith Thorpe, and KW—all potentially affected by the findings, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
One thing is certain: the mercury scandal continues to evolve, with each new twist making the final race at New Smyrna even more unpredictable. The question now is whether Rooks’ investigation will clear the air—or if his past ties to the Cher fandom will cast an even bigger cloud over the series.
With the spotlight on Brickie Rooks, TROC fans are left to wonder: Will the chemist’s rock-star past come back to haunt him, or will he prove that when it comes to science, there’s no place for speculation—only facts?
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