MXP Chatter: Brett Metcalfe

A year ago Brett Metcalfe was in a pretty tough spot. Not only was he slowly recovering from two serious injuries, but he didn’t have a decent ride for 2013 and things were not looking good. As we all know the Monster Energy Leading Edge Kawasaki Team stepped up and offered Brett a chance to come to Canada, race our Nationals and get himself healthy again. Well, here we are a year later and Brett Metcalfe is our 2013 MX1 Champion, his career is back on track and he has just recently resigned to return to Canada for the next two years. We caught up to Brett while he was at home relaxing after a month of racing back home in Australia.

Brett Metcalfe is hoping for a repeat of this scene in 2014.

Q: Hey Brett, how are things? I hear it has been a little cold in California lately?

A: Things are really good. Yes, it has been a little chilly here this week but not that bad.

Q: True, maybe cold is not the correct word because as we’re talking I’m looking out my window and it’s -10 and snowing. So, you just got back from your home country of Australia, how did things go down there?

A: Everything went really good both on and off the track. I did a few riding schools while I was there so that was fun, obviously I got to visit with family also, which was amazing because we all don’t get to see each other much. The racing was okay, I hadn’t rode supercross for some time so it took a little bit to get used to. Plus, I went there pretty much last minute so we weren’t the best prepared. I will be doing the series again in 2014 so I definitely want to go there better prepared.

Q: Looking at the results from Australia it looked like you did really well all things considered. Before you went down under you and your Australian team had a great result at the MXON in Germany, you even won a qualifying race. Can you talk about that weekend?

A: Yes, it was a great weekend for the team and for Australian motocross. We all rode well on a pretty tough track and when you look at Dean Ferris’s performance over there, I think it definitely helped him get his ride in the USA for 2014.

As for my qualifying race win, it was definitely one of the highlights of my career. I just felt so comfortable and in control in that race and even though I was leading with some of the world’s best riders behind me, I didn’t panic or tighten up. I know I’ve been in the lead in some big races during my career but I learned so much about my riding this summer in Canada, racing up there has really taught me a lot about how to race and how to win.

Q: It’s very interesting to hear you say that, especially considering the success you’ve had over the years in racing. To be in the lead in big races and still remain relaxed I guess is an art a rider must learn?

A: For sure, so much of my career has been about chasing other riders and not so much about being the one everyone is chasing. Like I said, this summer in Canada taught me how to do that and at the MXON I felt totally comfortable. I left Germany feeling so confident about my riding.

After a summer of racing in Canada Metcalfe feels like he’s riding better than ever.

Q: I’ve been talking about this with a few people lately, and the consensus is that having you in Canada this past year seemed to make a lot of riders better and the level of racing was amazing. I guess that is one of the biggest compliments any rider could get?

A: Well, thanks I really appreciate that. I don’t know if it was me who raised the level of racing but I can tell you that I sure noticed a difference in the second half of the series. The western rounds weren’t too bad but everyone really stepped it up in the East and it made for a great series. I’m sure 2014 will be even tougher.

Q: Let’s talk about 2014 for a minute. I understand that you will be back on a Leading Edge Kawasaki for 2014 and 2015?

A: That is currently the plan, it’s pretty much a done deal but we’re just waiting on a few things to fall into place with the team before we officially announce it. Heading into 2013 my plan was to race in Canada for a season and then try and get a ride back in the USA. Although I did get a few offers to race in the USA for 2014, nothing really excited me the same way as the thought of coming back to Canada did. I really enjoyed my time up there this year, the tracks were good and the people were amazing. With a new series title sponsor coming in it should make things interesting, hopefully as the Monster Energy sponsored team we can keep Monster in the headlines.

Q: Well, I can tell you that we’re all excited to have you back up here for two years. What is your plan between now and the first round?

A: Right now I’m just relaxing and letting my body recover. In early January I’ll start training again and getting ready for the 2014 season. I’ll probably do a few local races in California and also the first two rounds of the USA Outdoor National series, that will be about it. It’s so nice to be home with the family right now and just do nothing, my son is getting big so as you can imagine he is keeping us busy.

Q: Yes, kids definitely reach an age when they’re just wide open. Well, enjoy your time at home and we hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! All the best and we’ll catch up in 2014.

A: Thanks Chris, same to you and your family and everyone in Canada. Try and stay warm and we’ll talk soon.

After taking a few months this winter to relax, Metcalfe can’t wait for the gate to drop on the 2014 season.