Aussie Brett Metcalfe is happy with fourth in 2011, his maiden season with Suzuki.

Australia’s Brett Metcalfe is satisfied with fourth in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship after taking fourth in the season finale at Pala Raceway last weekend.

After a solid start in the first moto, Metcalfe ran as high as third and consistently in fourth before a stall on the last lap dropped him back for a fifth-placed finish.

Another strong start in moto two put Metcalfe and his Suzuki RM-Z into the front pack. He rode a strong and consistent race once again for another fifth-place moto finish and a fourth overall for the day.

“Pala worked out pretty good for me,” said Metcalfe. “I was able to pull off a fourth overall and I’m pretty happy with that. I was really looking forward to Pala because it’s kind of my home race and I had a lot of friends and family here.

“I started out pretty strong in practice and I was really comfortable out there, which is the important thing. My Suzuki was working really well and I got into a good rhythm.

“I rode well but could only manage two fifths for the day. In the first moto, I should have been fourth, but I stalled it on the last lap. It was a good day and now I’m looking forward to the ‘Nations.

“I want to thank my whole Rockstar Makita team, Yoshimura and all my sponsors. They’ve all been very supportive the entire year. I also want to thank Suzuki for giving us such a great bike in the RM-Z and the support we need to race at this top level.”

Metcalfe finished off the year a solid fourth in championship points and scored an overall win, as well as two podiums and three top five finishes.