MXP Chatter: Brett Metcalfe

After the exciting summer of racing we witnessed at the Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals, one has to wonder how it could possibly get any better in 2015. Well Canadian race fans, next year is looking to be unreal with not just the current crop of MX1 stars, but with the addition of Matt Goerke and Brett Metcalfe. Yes, I just said Brett Metcalfe, finally after months of waiting, the deal to bring our 2013 MX1 Champion back to Canada is now done! Of course we wanted to get Metcalfe’s thoughts on coming north again in 2015, so here is what the popular Australian had to say.

MXP: Hey Brett, what is going on tonight in California?

BM: Not much Chris, just winding down after a few long days. So far I’m relaxed but my son is still wide open. I’m sure you know what that’s like.

Oh yes, for sure. So before we get to the big news I have to ask you, did I read that you did a 100 mile race on Sunday?

Yes, you did read that (laughs), I did a race called the Lake Elsinore 100. The race is close to my house and I’ve wanted to do it for a while, so last week I just decided to go for it.

Was the 100 miles made up of mostly a motocross track or trails?

Each lap was around ten minutes long and of that maybe two minutes was motocross and the rest was all trails. A lot of it was really fast too, like fourth and fifth gear stuff. Man, I haven’t gone that fast on a motorcycle in a long time. That part I didn’t really like but the rest was really fun. I’m glad I finally did, but to be honest, I’m a little tired!

I can imagine how fatigued you are. Well, onto the big news. When we spoke a few weeks ago at the Monster Cup you mentioned that the deal to come back to Canada next year was close to being finalized. Can we now say that the deal is done?

Yes, we’re good to go in 2015. I will be coming back to Canada to ride for the Monster Energy Drink Thor Kawasaki Team and try to win that MX1 title back.

That’s great news Brett, a long time coming but great nonetheless. I think you’re going to really like the 2015 series. I haven’t seen the schedule yet but this year there were two new tracks that I’m sure you will like?

That’s what I heard, I’m really looking forward to it. I definitely enjoyed my time up there in 2013 so it should be great going back next year. As everyone knows, I was supposed to go to Canada this past summer and defend my title but with Ryan Villopoto getting injured I got offered a deal that I felt I couldn’t refuse. To race again in the USA for a factory team was my goal and I’m happy that I got to do that again.

You ended up fourth overall in the 450 class against some really fast riders. Were you happy with how the summer went?

I was really happy with everything. Going into the series my goal was to finish in the top five and I certainly achieved that. I feel a little short on some things, like I really wanted to finish a race on the podium but I wasn’t able to. Other than that it was a really satisfying summer. We worked hard to get the bike set up for me, I battled through a pretty serious back injury, and I was still able to finish fourth.

You mentioned bike set up, every rider wishes they could race a factory bike. However, it isn’t easy to just jump on one and go racing is it?

No definitely not! The first thing with the factory Kawasaki was that it was set up for Ryan Villopoto, which was cool but I like my bike set up differently, and it was really hard to adapt to at first. Once we started testing, though, and started to fit the bike to me, things got a lot better and the bike was incredible.

For the 99.9 % of riders that will never get to race a factory bike, can you tell us what you think is the coolest thing about racing for a factory team?

That’s a great question! I would probably have to say that the resources that are available to you when you’re part of a factory team. The endless parts, the ability to just try something new on the bike, a perfectly prepared practice bike; it’s really hard to pin point just one thing but I’d say all of the above.

We’ve spoken a few times about the reasons you came to Canada in 2013. You were coming off some pretty serious injuries and you wanted a fresh start. You did it and so far it’s worked out really well for you and your family. Now you’re coming back in 2015 and you’re in a different place mentally. Are you still as motivated to win as you were in 2013?

For sure, I’m obviously coming off a couple of good years now and honestly I’ve never felt better. I was able to get in great shape this summer and I kept the ball rolling from winning last year in Canada. Coming up there in 2013 was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and for the most part it’s the reason I’m where I am right now. I’m very motivated to come back and try to win the MX1 title again, and I feel like I’ll come in even more prepared because I know what to expect.

You had some stiff competition in 2013, and by the sounds of it the MX1 class in 2015 is going to be stacked with talent and speed.

Yes, in 2013 Colton got hurt early and I never really got a chance to race with him. A few other riders stepped up and made my season tough, for sure, but yes, next year is looking like it’s going to be awesome. I know Colton will be fast, Goerke will be fast, Alessi will be fast and like 2013, there’s a group of Canadian riders that will no doubt be fast. All I can do is work as hard as I can and come into next summer completely prepared. If I can do that and stay healthy then it should be a fun summer.

Canadian race fans are definitely in for a huge treat next summer. So what is the plan between now and round one in Nanaimo?

Well, right now the focus is on getting prepared for Anaheim One. My plan is to race at least the first six or seven rounds of the Monster Energy Drink Supercross Series and see what happens. I’ve always loved Supercross; after racing the Monster Cup and doing okay, I feel like it’s a good time to try it again.

That’s awesome! I thought you looked great at the Monster Cup, I know it was a hybrid SX track but you looked comfortable.

Thanks, I felt surprisingly comfortable on that track, even in that really tough rhythm section. I spent about three weeks riding SX and getting ready for Vegas so I was glad to go there and do okay. I’m really looking forward to racing a little SX again. It will be a challenge but I’m always up for a challenge.

Well Brett, congratulations on the new deal with the Monster Energy Drink Thor Kawasaki Team. I’m sure Jason and the boys are really excited. Also, thanks for taking the time to talk to us and all of your Canadian fans. I think 2015 is going to be a great year for Canadian motocross.

Thanks for calling Chris. We always have good chats and I can’t wait to see everyone in Canada next summer.