HQVA press release:

Aussie motocross hero Brett Metcalfe will highlight an exciting Husqvarna assault into this year’s MX Nationals series when it kicks off this weekend at Horsham in Victoria.

The highly decorated South Australian is contracted to ride the first four rounds of this year’s championship for Steve McKinnon’s SD3 Husqvarna team, spicing up the premier class as he renews acquaintances with Husqvarna Australia and the brilliant 2016 FC450.

With Jesse Dobson released to pursue the opportunity of a factory ride with KTM, Metcalfe will start the season as Husqvarna’s only representative in the premier class, but for certain, one capable of plundering the big points in each round.

Likewise in the MX2 class, Husqvarna has two proven race winners, with both SD3’s Luke Arbon and Nathan Crawford back as legitimate championship contenders.

Arbon is feeling confident off the back of the most positive off-season of his senior career, while Crawford is almost back to 100% after breaking both bones in his lower leg at a round of the Australian Supercross championship back in October.

The famous crowned ‘H’ certainly hasn’t forgotten to support the next generation of Australian motocross however, with a four-rider factory support squad in the MXD class for riders under 19 competitors.

Season 2015 race winners Connor Tierney and SD3-backed Kaleb Barham are joined by fellow Husqvarna FC250 rider Zak Small and Western Australian, Justin Hart, aboard a Husqvarna TC250.

Jon Hafey, Husqvarna Brand Manager – “It’s a very exciting lineup we take into this first round of the MX Nationals. Metty’s involvement is an awesome opportunity for the profile of the brand – it’s the first time Husqvarna has had a genuine contender for race wins in the premier class of the Australian motocross championships since probably Pelle Granquist in the 70s. Obviously we definitely couldn’t stand in the way of Jesse’s factory ride with KTM. As a rider, these opportunities don’t present themselves every day, and sometimes they never present themselves at all, so it’s a fantastic opportunity for Jesse, and more to the point I think he’s ready, so we wish him all the best. In MX2 I think we have two championship contenders. After Nathan’s injury I would expect him to take a couple of rounds to get up to speed, where Luke on the other hand is probably better prepared than ever. In MXD we’ve got four young riders under development, all of which are capable of winning motos.”

Steve McKinnon, SD3 Husqvarna Team Owner – “From SD3’s perspective, we’re thrilled with where we’re at. After Jacob’s plan fell through it’s good that we’re back on track and with riders in all three classes to kick off with. Metty and Luke not only provide a fantastic team, they are just great guys to be around. Right now we’re having a laugh, doing what we do best, not taking it all too seriously. We are excited to have Kaleb in the MXD class as well, he’s a serious talent, he’s a great kid, and I think just being around Brett and Luke will help him in the long run. I fully expect we’ll be at the pointy end in all three classes on Sunday, and being a small team, that’s brilliant. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Brett Metcalfe – “I got in Sunday and I’ve had a good few days, just trying to adapt to the time and stuff. I’m ready to ride for sure and to do the four rounds is going to be cool. Physically I’m really good; I had a good off season, took the time off with the family and was training primarily for the Canadian Nationals which start up in June. Then this thing popped up at the last minute and when the opportunity came up I was able to jump on it. I felt like I was able to come down here and be competitive and be ready. We’ve put three days on the bike this week, and it’s really short notice, but I feel pretty good. I’ve been riding a lot. We’ll just progress each week and go from there. Husqvarna put out an awesome bike and what I’m racing this weekend is really close to wheeling it straight off the showroom floor. I’m happy and excited for the race. It’s good to be back with SD3 as well, that first race I did at Wayville last year was a good experience, so I’m real stoked to come back and be part of the team again. Luke’s doing really well right now and hopefully we can both come out swinging this weekend.”

Luke Arbon – “Feelin’ good. I couldn’t have asked for a better pre-season. I have struggled with pre-season injuries the last few years but this year has been solid. I spent a month in America and worked my butt off over there with Brett, so I’m feeling really confident coming in this year and feeling really solid on the bike. I’m looking forward to getting after it. We’ve done a whole heap of testing on the bike, and I’m fortunate to have my mechanic Andy with me every day we ride, so that’s a massive bonus. I think we’ve peaked at the right time, the bike’s really good and I’m feeling really fit. The goal is always to win, but I just want to go there and ride like I know I can. Just go and have fun on my bike. I know it’s going to be another tough year but I’m looking forward to the challenge. ”

Nathan Crawford – “I’m probably 80 or 90%. The bone is taking a while to get used to being under such pressure so there’s a fair bit of pain. Riding has been good, it’s just been the bone getting used to taking the impact of hitting the ground. It’s taking its time, but it has also cleaned my riding up a little bit, because it hurts to hammer the ground with it unnecessarily, so I’ve had to be a little bit more precise. I’m stronger than I was last year but I’ve been back on the bike about a month, so I’m as ready as you can get in one month. Those are the cards I’ve been dealt, so I will play those cards and see how we go.”

Connor Tierney – “I’m ready to go for round one, I’ve had a super strong off-season, moved over here to Wollongong and had no distractions, just put a huge base in and I’m feeling super confident going into round one. Fitter and faster than ever. I’ve moved in with Doggy Marmont and he’s been helping me train. I’ve gone back to the 250F this year – I think the four-stroke just suits my riding style better and I can carry more corner speed, I’ve adapted pretty well and have a good set up this year. Last year at Horsham I was pretty nervous – my first time out at juniors. I pulled the holeshot, set the fastest lap of the day then faded back to 12th or something with arm pump from being so nervous. Hopefully I’ll do better than that this year (laughs).”

Zak Small – “The pre-season has all gone to plan for me, I’ve had no injuries and I’ve raced at Horsham before for the junior Aussies and also last year at round one, so I’m pretty familiar with it. It’s a fun track with good jumps and whatnot. The new race bike is running great, and the suspension is really good. The bike’s looking great too at the moment so hopefully I’ll keep it that way! This is my last year in U19s so I really want to win or at least get on the podium.”

Kaleb Barham – “I’m going into round one thinking, it’s a 10-round series so we’re just going to go in there, do what we can do and work from there. I’m looking forward to it, I enjoy the track but I’ve had previous good results there, won an Australian title there before, so definitely looking forward to it. I’m on the 250F and I’ve got an awesome team behind me with SD3 Husqvarna and my own little A team I’ve got around me. It’s really good.”

For more information on Husqvarna motorcycles visit www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com.