Image: Foremost Media.

Penrite Honda Racing press release:

The Penrite Factory Honda Race Team have kicked off their 2018 Australian Supercross campaign with strong results from all riders.

Justin Brayton came out on top in the SX1 ahead of his teammate Brett Metcalfe who finished 2nd. The reigning Champion was pleased with his opening round results.

“Overall the day went well. We qualified 1st and won our heat race. I knew Metty would be strong after we tested together during the week and I am extremely happy we took 1st and 2nd in the 450 main for Penrite Honda,” said Brayton.

To ensure a strong finish on the Jimboomba track, Brayton’s game plan focused on riding with patience.

“I couldn’t rush it, the track dried out and there were areas that didn’t offer a lot of traction so I needed to be patient. Overall I am happy with my speed throughout all sessions and this is a great way to start the Championship,” Brayton finished.

Brett Metcalfe also had a very positive opening round, winning heat 1 and staying competitive in all sessions. Agreeing with Brayton, Metcalfe also commented on the patients required to tackle the track, which deteriorated throughout the day. In the final Metcalfe led until he stalled the motor and cost him precious seconds. He ultimately claimed 2nd overall.

“I am so happy with the bike and the team. I made a small mistake in the final, I am not sure if I would have held Justin off but that seriously doesn’t matter, I am extremely happy with how I am riding and had so much fun racing Supercross again. It’s been a few a years between Supercross races,” said Metcalfe.

The teams SX2 entrant, Bradley Taft took victory in his heat race and claimed 2nd overall in the 15 lap main event. This is his first time in Australia and he was content with his overall performance.

“It’s been a crazy week, settling in, testing a new bike and finding some consistency in my day to day training. I have never left America so this is all new to me. Whilst I am happy with the points we scored, I believe we can improve on 2nd for round 2. Now we have 3 weeks to prepare for the next round and the team and I will work on some thing’s to improve our position,” said Taft.

Yarrive Konsky, Director of the Penrite Factory Honda Team believes this was a great start for the team and feels it provides a solid foundation to work off.

“We have an amazing team, everyone is working well together and the results show that. The riders really displayed a high level of maturity on the technical track. The promoters did a great job and the crowd were engaged, the racing was intense and I am happy with the points we took away.” Konsky said.

The next round of the Australian Supercross Championship will be held on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland on 6th October.