Brian began racing in 1976 at St. Angelo airfield. In his, career lasting until 1994, Brian was a multi time Irish, Ulster and World Champion.

Brian raced during one of the most competitive eras in road racing, against opponents like Joey Dunlop, Steve Hislop, Tony Rutter, Philip McCallen, Jonny Rea, Jim Moodie, and Stephen Cull. Although he forged his name on 250 and 350cc Machines many forget his successes aboard the RG500 and RC30. Later Brian switched to 600cc Production based racing with great success. As much as he was a leader on the track he was an innovator off it. Brian’s style and approach brought a whole new professionalism to the sport in Ireland. Attracting sponsors like Budweiser in 1989.

Having had success in Ireland during the later 70’s and early 80's Brian turned toward the international scene with a view to an assault on the Formula 2 World Championship. In 1985 at the Ulster Grand Prix, aboard a privateer Yamaha, Brian won his first World Championship, beating the works Ducati of Tony Rutter along the way. The taste of success was short lived as a fall in the following race ended with a broken femur. 1986 he won his second World Championship (the last Formula championship held).

1986 saw Brian’s first success on the famous Isle of Man TT circuit. This was the first of his 5 victories. He also won the 600cc race in 1990, the 400cc and 250cc races in 1992 and the 250cc race in 1993. As well as triumph Brian had his fair share of bad luck on the Mountain circuit. In 1985, while leading Honda’s Joey Dunlop by 10 seconds, he ran out of petrol 2 miles from home.

The Dundrod circuit was another of Brian’s favourite tracks. The North West 200 track is one of the few tracks in Ireland that Brian has “only” had one victory.

Brian was also a member of the famous “Dromara Destroyers” along with Raymond McCullough and Trevor Steele.  During his career he got the well deserved nick name Speedy Reidy!