Image: Supplied.

Leading Australian-made work boot brand Mongrel Boots has been named the primary backer of Brett Metcalfe at Honda Racing ahead of the 2021 season.

After longtime naming-rights partner Penrite and the team parted ways for this year, it’s been revealed that a split sponsorship structure across each rider will be implemented locally.

“This sponsorship is important to us,” team director Yarrive Konsky commented. “We have a responsibility to provide our staff with appropriate footwear that is comfortable and protective while on and off the track and Mongrel are our number one choice for that job.

“They are a 100 percent Aussie-owned family business who still manufacture their boots in Australia, so they perform to the high level we expect. In our fifth year of partnering, it’s great to see Mongrel take the naming-rights of Metty – his dedication to the team and this sport is unmatched.”

Mongrel Boots brand manager Phillip Cloros added: “We are proud to continue our association with the factory Honda Racing team. Brett is really well aligned to our brand and what we stand for, authentically Aussie born and bred.

“We know our customers enjoy motocross riding and racing too, so it’s a great fit and a fantastic extension of an already prosperous relationship with the team.”

The Konsky Motorsport organisation has been competing with Muc-Off as title sponsor of its US-based Monster Energy AMA Supercross program this season, however, that naming-rights arrangement won’t extend into Australia at the same level.

Instead, South Australian veteran Metcalfe will wear a Mongrel Boots livery on his all-new CRF450R, while Kirk Gibbs and MX2 entry Kyle Webster will also feature to be announced independent title supporters on their factory-supported Hondas.

“I am really humbled by this,” explained Metcalfe. “I wear Mongrel Boots every day on the farm, my dad wears them to work too and, of course, we wear them at the track along with the team and have done for several years now. It’s awesome to be backed by a brand I already respect, especially an Australian-owned and made brand of boots.”