16 and Pregnant continues its second season Tuesday, October 26 with Brooke Smitherman-Tarrant, a 17-year old high school student and race car driver from Mansfield, Texas.
Yes, you read that right! Brooke comes from a racing family that prides itself on 3 generations of racers and an army of Smitherman drivers that can be seen week in and week out putting the pedals to the metal at the Cowtown Speedway in Kennedale, Texas. Brooke, who has been racing in some capacity since she was 7, competes in the Bomber class and can be seen here in good ol’ Number 74:
Here’s the 16 and Pregnant Season 2b preview clip for Brooke Smitherman-Tarrant:
(The preview clip shows Brooke in the Number 96 car, but all the race results I could find online have Brooke in the Number 74 car pictured above)
In addition to being a race car driver, Brooke also brings a little something new to the 16 and Pregnant franchise in that she is married when she gives birth! She and baby daddy Cody Tarrant (one year older than Brooke) were wed on August 14, 2009 when Brooke was just 16 weeks along. (You can see wedding photos on Brooke’s Official Facebook Fan Page.)
Brooke’s mother let Cody move into their house on the couple’s wedding night and the two plan on remaining there until Brooke finishes up her last year of high school.
Brooke Smitherman and boyfriend Cody Tarrant before they were married
Brody Ryan Tarrant was born January 28, 2010 at 9:28pm and weighed 7.12 lbs. at birth. (On her Formspring account Brooke confirmed what seemed obvious in that Brody’s name comes from combining Brooke and Cody.)
Cody is currently an assistant manager at a local Quik Trip convenience store where he works evenings while Brooke attends school. She talked with Star magazine about the difficulties of being a teen mom saying, “Giving up the freedom of my childhood, finishing high school and being responsible for Cody and Brody was very difficult. Cody and I love each other very much, but it’s been hard to figure out how to compromise now that there’s three of us.”
Though she has found herself in a tough situation, Brooke remains optimistic. “I know that with Cody by my side and the support of my family, we can find a way to make this work,” she tells the Star. “You don’t have any other choice but to face every obstacle you’re confronted with, keep your head up and make the best of things.”
Here are some more fun facts about Brooke culled from her answers to questions on Formspring:
• Brooke was born on March 26, 1993
• Her mom was the one who contacted MTV about being on the show
• If Brody Tarrant had been a girl her name would have been Emma Dawn Tarrant
• Brooke’s favorite drink is Dr. Pepper
• Her first job was as a nanny for 6 months
• Her most recent job was at an auto inspection station
• She craved Jalapeno Cheese Hot Dogs from QT and Mexican Inn while pregnant
• She loves Jersey Shore
From what I’ve seen I really like Brooke! She seems intelligent and mature enough to grow into the responsibility of being a mother, and her relationship with Cody appears to be a healthy one compared to most of the relationships we’ve seen on this show. When asked on Formspring whether or not her episode would feature a lot of drama Brooke answers, “Not really were the happy upbeat couple.”
Brooke and Cody Tarrant from their 16 and Pregnant episode
It’s just my opinion but I think MTV is leading off with Brooke, Cody and Brody to quiet some of the more conservative critics of 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom. They seem like an all-American teenage couple that were careless but are willing to be responsible for their actions. What’s not to like about that? (Did I mention she races cars?!?!) (Did I also mention Brooke looks a little like Mary Louise Parker?)
16 and Pregnant premieres Tuesday night, October 26 at 10pm om MTV! CLICK HERE for a complete list of the cats for Season 2b with links to the girls’ Facebook, Myspace and Formspring accounts!
Be sure to check out our profile of Felicia Cooke, another teen Texan featured in the second episode of 16 and Pregnant airing November 2, 2010!
UPDATE – MTV has posted a bonus clip from Brooke’s episode featuring Cody out and about in the pregnancy suit!
There’s also a post-show interview clip with Brooke you can watch HERE.
For a glimpse of what’s in store over the entire season, here’s the Season 2b trailer:
Catch up on your 16aP as well as Teen Mom from amazon:
