Although Robert Brandt started his drag bike racing career just over a year ago, he is no stranger to a NHRA dragstrip. Robert grew up in the NHRA pits with his father, Hall of Fame mechanic Bob Brandt Sr., who was crew chief for the legendary Don “Snake” Prudhomme in the 70s. 

However, it wasn’t until after Robert lost his son, active Army Sgt. Riley C. Brandt, to suicide in November of 2020, that he started the Military Suicide Awareness drag bike in honor of him. A purple and teal flag theme was created with four non-profit 501(c)3 organizations leading the fight against veteran suicide on board. It was through these organizations that Robert learned of the military suicide rate; 22 soldiers take their lives every day. Hoping to prevent a tragedy like what he had been through, Robert has strived to bring awareness and hope to help someone, somewhere, someway. After an overwhelming response to the bike, Robert's goal was to take his Military Suicide Awareness mission to the NHRA and build a Pro Stock Motorcycle. 

After meeting Richard Gadson, a five-time national champion in XDA, NHDRO, SEMDRA and ManCup, at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, the two worked together two months later in Rockingham, N.C. and realized they shared a vision to build a NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle team. Robert recruited Richard to help support his mission, and Gadson Brandt Racing (GBR) was born.

The GBR Military Suicide Awareness Suzuki supports two 501(c)3 nonprofits, Mission22 and Stop Soldier Suicide. The team is privately funded with no donations of any kind from Mission22 or Stop Soldier Suicide going towards team operations. Currently, Richard Gadson both tunes and rides the GBR Military Suicide Awareness bike along with tuner Michael Goni, owner of Standard Cycle Company. The team made their debut at the NHRA Texas FallNationals at Texas Motorplex Oct. 14-16, 2022. The team is actively looking for sponsorship to soon support a second bike to be ridden by Robert.

Robert took his mission a step further by starting a non-profit in honor of his son, The Sgt. Riley C. Brandt Foundation, which will honor two families of deceased soldiers on the GBR Military Suicide Awareness bike and as guests at each NHRA event.