Penrite Honda Racing press release:

Penrite Honda Racing’s Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe managed another 1st and 2nd finish in the SX1 at round 2 of the Australian Supercross Championship in Coolum over the weekend.

Brayton qualified 1st and Metcalfe was a close 3rd. Both riders lined up together in heat 2 and had to battle from troublesome starts to get into first and second respectively.

In the final Brayton grabbed the holeshot followed by teammate Metcalfe, proving the competitiveness of their CRF450Rs. Drayton built a controlling lead by breaking away early and was pleased with his overall result.

“I wanted to get away early and put a controlling buffer between myself and the other riders so I needed to make the opening laps count,” said Brayton.

Brayton maintained a controlling gap throughout the final to capture his second win in a row in 2018.

“The season has started well but there are still 9 point scoring races to go so I need to maintain my routine, I feel we can improve in various areas and I will be focused on those things between rounds,” continued Brayton.

Brett Metcalfe wrestled off challengers to take his second runner up result for the season. Metcalfe continues to display the Supercross skills he crafted whilst racing in America for more than decade.

“I am having fun and its showing. I would have liked to race with Justin but the challenges I had in the early stages of the race with other riders slowed my chances. I have a lot to improve on and very little time to achieve it as we are racing back to back rounds so I need to accept that and focus on what I can achieve in the time we have,” Metcalfe said.

“I want to win, that’s why we race. The Honda is working well and we are finding some good form. The team is working well and I think there are many positives as we prepare for the rest of this season and next year.” Metcalfe added.

Brad Taft came into round two 2nd in points and left in 4th.

Unfortunately, a string of setbacks held him from racing to his full potential.

“I crashed last week and got hurt badly. The doctors have said it will improve in the coming weeks and I just need to manage the swelling and pain. Coming into the weekend I hadn’t ridden for a week and I was low in confidence,” said Taft.

Taft struggled throughout round 2 and a crash in turn one in the final didn’t help his cause.

“I just wanted to be consistent and collect some valuable points but crashing didn’t help. I got back up and rode through the pain and managed to finish 11th. I am thankful to be sitting in 4th overall following today’s string of events and I will work on being better in Melbourne,” Taft finished.

The third round of the Championship is this weekend in Geelong. For more information go to www.hondamx.com.au or www.australiansupercross.com.au