Catching Up with…Brett Metcalfe
By Billy Rainford
In case you missed it in this past Friday’s ‘FridEh Update,’ here’s the chat we had with Rockstar Energy MX Nationals‘ 2016 #3 rider, Rockstar OTSFF Yamaha’s Brett Metcalfe:
Week #3 goes out to Brett Metcalfe. – Bigwave photo
Welcome to Week #3 of the DMX Frid’Eh Update this week presented by Gamma Powersports. For 2016, #3 in the Rockstar Energy MX Nationals will be Australian rider Brett Metcalfe’s number. Brett now calls California home and is our 2013 Champion. It could be argued that Brett was consistently the fastest 450 rider last summer, but some bad luck cost him his shot at the title.
Brett’s overall results from 2016:
1, 4, 8, 1 2, 1, 2, 14, 2, 3 = 482 points and 3rd overall.
Brett won 3 events which equaled Colton Facciotti‘s total and beat eventual winner Matt Goerke (2). It’s the 8th and 14th that cost him. We were able to catch up with the Lake Elsinore resident this week to find out his thoughts on last summer and what he’s been up to since.
Direct Motocross: Hello, Brett. We haven’t spoken with you in a while. Let’s first back up to last summer. That was probably one of the most competitive Mx1 battles we’ve ever seen. How was it from your perspective?
I think it was awesome for the series and all sponsors involved. It for sure helps create more interest when the championship builds hype and comes down to the last round. From my racing perspective, it’s always intense out there on the race track. After my 2nd DNF it kind of died for me right there, I felt like Colt really stepped up then but Matt had enough cushion already. It was good hard racing with 5 solid guys in the mix.
You were probably the fastest guy most weeks but had a couple issues. Can you take us through what set you back?
Engine component failures were the big ones. Both DNF were really not by anyone’s fault other than parts breaking. Than at Ulverton in Moto 1 the radiator breather hose blew off and dumped all the coolant, cooking the engine. Anything else was on me. Gopher was one of the toughest days I’ve had in a while. I got a stomach bug or something that night, I couldn’t eat all day and things were blowing out both ends from me. It didn’t effect riding other than energy levels were gone.
Did it feel like you were going into battle every week? It seemed any one of you top 4 guys could win (or explode) at any moment!
I never felt like I was on the verge of exploding. I’ve been in heated battles majority of my career, so it wasn’t out of the ordinary. I believed I could make the Championship happen up to the point of the 2nd DNF.
Maybe “exploding” was a little too much, but the top guys battled every single moto in 2015. – Bigwave photo
Is there a race that stands out for you from last summer?
There were some cool races along the way with some wins. If I think about importance, probably Sand Del Lee moto 2. I really had to answer the call and win.
We won’t be going to Sand Del Lee or Walton next year. Are you looking forward to the changes or will you miss those two tracks?
I’ll miss those 2 rounds. Sand Del Lee is a fun track and I loved riding the track and the dirt. Walton was pretty cool, reminded me a little of a US national prepped track.
Did you take some time off after the final round last year?
Yes, I didn’t ride for about 6-7 weeks. I went down to Australia for a supercross race in early November then didn’t ride for another month after that.
Are you missing SX this year? Who do you see taking this ultra-competitive 450 title?
Yes, I miss it. I see Dungey making it back to back titles. I think he looks better than ever from what I’ve seen so far but there is a real deep field!
I heard you’ve already been testing your new Rockstar OTSFF Yamaha. How has that been going?
I just got started this week with testing on the new 2016 Yamaha with Stu (Robinson) from Rockstar OTSFF and Mike Haist from Factory Connection. We put in a really good week for our first test ride with the bike and something all new for me to learn. For a base settings I’m very happy we’re I’m at this early.
The good news is that we’ll get to see all the same guys, and then some, compete again for the 2016 title! – Bigwave photo
How many more years of this do you have in you? Is it still fun or has it become like a 9-5?
It’s hard to foresee how many more years, I don’t think about it too much although I am starting to look at my exit strategy. I feel good, I have motivation, so I don’t really question anything just yet. I try and take care of my body which I think is a big help.
I think the whole fun mentality is a little overrated at times. For sure you need to enjoy what you do, if you can make it fun that’s great, but you gotta be able to buckle down and grind out the hard yards. Those yards aren’t much fun! It’s all hard work. There is an enjoyment I get from that which can be translated as fun. The fun side is getting to hang out with a good bunch of guys at the track.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Will you race at all before the Canadian series starts?
Still To be determined.
Who would you like to thank?
First off, my wife Sheena for the support and taking care of my boys while I go racing. I want to thank André (Laurin) and Stu at OTSFF, big thanks to Mike Kelso at Rockstar. Also, my agent David Evans and my mechanic Cam Armstrong.
It’s always great to talk with Brett. Good luck with all your prep work and we’ll see you out west in the spring.
