Image: Simon Makker.

Penrite Honda Racing’s Brett Metcalfe has cleared himself of injury after bowing out of the weekend’s Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland in New Zealand when he was involved in a first turn incident during main event one.

The former AMA Supercross regular fell victim to the slippery turn one conditions that came as a result of over 20mm of rain prior to evening’s night show, sliding out while coming into a contact with a number of riders, including American import Christian Craig (Geico Honda).

“I’m all good,” Metcalfe declared to MotoOnline.com.au. “I had a couple of problems with the bike from that crash anyway, but I jammed my hand really hard between mine and Christian’s bike. I have a metal plate in my thumb, so when that gets jammed or compressed, it’s like pins and needles in your bone – it’s like being electrocuted almost.

“It’s weird, it’s gone in like 30 seconds, but your whole thumb is on fire. The bike sustained damage anyway, so it wasn’t really deemed safe for me to continue in a non-championship race. I was bummed – I only went there with one intention, and that was to race to win.”

Metcalfe praised the event, particularly taking into consideration the weather that was dealt with, stating he believes if wasn’t for the rain, it would’ve been the best supercross to be hosted in southern hemisphere.

“It was awesome and the crowd was huge,” he continued. “I think that was the biggest motorsport event in New Zealand, and it’s got to be close for motocross in Australia too. It was phenomenal to get that crowd, especially with the weather conditions to get that turnout, it just shows the passion and enthusiasm they have over there.

“It’s a shame for track builders and the organisers to get that weather. I think it would’ve been – it’s hard to really say – but I think it would’ve been one of the best supercross events the southern hemisphere has ever seen. The rain definitely put a hamper on it.”

It was a mixed 2018 campaign for Metcalfe, finishing sixth in the Pirelli MX Nationals after numerous DNFs, while he made an incredible assault at the Australian Supercross Championship, falling just nine points shy of the crown.