Image: Simon Cudby.

Monster Energy Kawasaki replacement rider Brett Metcalfe isn’t underestimating the task ahead when he returns to the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series aboard Ryan Villopoto’s KX450F.

Reigning Canadian champion Metcalfe was the logical choice to stand in for Villopoto outdoors this season, gaining a factory opportunity in the US after racing in Canada for Leading Edge Kawasaki last year.

“The field is always stacked; every year there are so many good riders,” Metcalfe explained. “The level keeps getting raised every year. To be honest, I’m really not focusing on anything else but myself. I’m not really focusing on one guy – I know everybody is going to be good. I’m just making sure that I’m going to be good. That’s all I really care about.

“How I fit into the field, I don’t know. If I come out and win both motos at Glen Helen, that’s great. If I go top 10, then we’ve got some work to do. If I’m outside of there, then we’ve got a lot of work to do. I don’t know how I’m going to fit in.

“I raced a few nationals last year and I know the equipment and the preparation I had and I know I’m better, substantially better, at this point right now. I’ve had a great four or five months of training and preparing for this. I’m ready to go.

“What I’ve done in the past has been awesome, I’m happy with my career at this point. If I can take it to the next level and do better, I’m definitely going to try and do that.”

Metcalfe will slot straight into Villopoto’s team including working alongside mechanic Mike Williamson, but the pressure to perform comes from within as much as it does from the team.

“One thing is quite clear, they don’t expect me to jump in there and fill his boots,” Metcalfe added. “They know that the guy is a very special rider on the track and that no one can fill those shoes. But they feel confident in me and what I’ve shown already.

“They’re keeping an eye on things and they know I’m working hard and I’m not flopping around. I was dedicated to prepare for the Canadian Nationals and Glen Helen just like I was racing the whole series, so they know that and they know what I’ve done. They definitely expect good results, but not more than what I expect out of myself too.”

Click here for complete Metcalfe interview on Racer X Online.