Team Suzuki Press Office – April 16. Yoshimura Suzuki’s Brett Metcalfe put together a great performance in the ‘Big Easy’ AMA/ FIM World Supercross Championship 14th round at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Los Angeles on Saturday night.
The Australian piloted his Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 to a well-earned fourth-placed finish, marking his fourth top-five result of the 2012 season so far.
The New Orleans race followed a one-weekend break that gave Metcalfe a much-needed rest. Although he took advantage of the down time, he was more-than ready to race: He started the night by getting the holeshot in his eight-lap heat race and gave 100 per cent and finished third.
“It was nice to have a weekend off and come back with a fresh start,” said Metcalfe. “I wanted to come and try to do some good today and I felt like we did. The Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 was great in practice and I felt comfortable. We struggled in one segment, but I was really putting down good laps on the rest of the track and I was happy with the way I was riding. In the heat race we ripped the holeshot, but then I went back a couple of spots when I made a mistake in the sand. But I still got third and was able to get a good gate pick for the Main.”
In the Main Event, watched by more than 32,000 fans, Metcalfe got an excellent start and manoeuvred through the sea of ricocheting riders relatively unscathed. He made an effort to turn smooth, consistent laps and looked for ways to find more speed throughout all 20 laps to finish fourth.
Said Metcalfe: “I got another great start in the Main, but that first lap, I was like a ping pong ball. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and I got slammed around and dropped back a few places. But once I got going and into a rhythm, I was able to click off some good laps. Finally, about midway through the race, I finally found a better line in the segment I was struggling with and I was able to pick it up and I got back up to fourth.”
With just three races remaining, Metcalfe and the Yoshimura Suzuki squad want to finish the season strong. Said Metcalfe: “I’m looking forward to Seattle. We’ll be working hard this week and come out next weekend and keep this momentum going.”
Team Yoshimura Suzuki Racing’s next event is the 15th round of the 2012 AMA/ FIM World Supercross Championship on Saturday April 21st at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.
New Orleans Supercross Class Results:
1. Ryan Villopoto
2. Josh Grant
3. Justin Brayton
4. Brett Metcalfe (Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450)
5. Andrew Short
6. Davi Millsaps
7. Weston Peick
8. Kyle Chisholm
9. Wil Hahn
10. Broc Tickle
2012 Supercross Class Standings:
1. Ryan Villopoto – 321
2. Davi Millsaps – 206
3. Justin Brayton – 201
4. Ryan Dungey – 192
5. James Stewart – 178
6. Brett Metcalfe (Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450) – 172
7. Jake Weimer – 171
8. Kevin Windham – 166
9. Mike Alessi – 162
10. Broc Tickle – 133
