Image: Supplied.

Penrite Honda Racing’s Brett Metcalfe says finishing second in the Australian Supercross Championship to teammate Justin Brayton is the next best thing, despite being within striking distance of the crown heading into the weekend’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney.

Metcalfe, who was a last-minute addition to the series and was initially going to race only selected rounds, captured victory at the penultimate round in Adelaide, shortening the points buffer to just six ahead of Saturday.

The South Australian was unable to demote the American with his 6-5-8 scorecard for sixth overall, which ultimately saw him round out a stellar season nine points adrift of the three-time Australian supercross champion.

“Everyone wants to win but this is the next best thing and I am really pleased to be the first placing Australian too,” Metcalfe commented. “The season has been strong – winning round four was certainly a highlight and gave me a solid confidence boost.

“It was important for us to get 1-2 in the title so we had our plans in place to ensure it was locked up. I’m so pleased for Justin to take the triple and for Honda to have this 1-2 finish, it’s amazing. Now we are focused on New Zealand to wrap up the year on top.”

The S-X Open Auckland is scheduled for 24 November at Mount Smart Stadium in New Zealand, marking Metcalfe’s final appearance of the year.