Justin Brayton claims the 2018 Australian Supercross crown
Brett Metcalfe 2018 runner-up
Images by AME Management
Justin Brayton has wrapped up the 2018 Australian Supercross Championship, with Penrite Honda teammate Brett Metcalfe claiming second overall, ending a highly successful season for the team.
For Justin Brayton the victory marks his third consecutive Championship for the team and a successful first season with Honda. Brayton won three out of five rounds in the Australian Supercross season this year, although appearing in fine riding form, he admitted this was his hardest victory yet.
Justin Brayton
“I am so happy to win three in a row. It’s what I came here to do and I am glad we got the job done. It wasn’t without its difficulties though, first my family got sick, then I got sick and I never fully recovered. I have battled pneumonia for most of the time I’ve been over here so it was tough for sure but it made the overall victory so much more gratifying. I feel lucky, I get to see the world and ride dirt bikes. I have met some amazing people through racing and it’s a bonus to win. I can’t thank Honda, Penrite and all of our sponsors enough but we aren’t done just yet. We still have a few races to finish this year as we head to New Zealand in a few weeks. My plan is to come back next year and defend my title. I want to keep doing this for as long as I can. If I am competitive and I am enjoying it then I want to race.”
This year marked Brayton’s fourth time in Australia and he hopes to return next year to defend his Championship.
Brett Metcalfe finished second overall in the Championship and shared he couldn’t be happier, having been pleased to have his family watching as he took to the podium for the overall second position.
Brett Metcalfe
“Everyone wants to win but this is the next best thing and I am really pleased to be the first placing Australian too! The season has been strong; winning round 4 was certainly a highlight and gave me a solid confidence boost. It was important for us to get 1-2 in the title so we had our plans in place to ensure it was locked up. I’m so pleased for Justin to take the triple and for Honda to have this 1-2 finish, it’s amazing. Now we are focused on New Zealand, to wrap up the year on top.”
Honda’s Brand and Motorsport Manager Glyn Griffiths was complementary of the result, something very few teams achieve., while Team Director Yarrive Konsky was likewise proud of his team’s results.
Glyn Griffiths – Honda Brand and Motorsport Manager
“Going 1-2 is a remarkable feat, something that many don’t ever achieve throughout their careers. Our team have different abilities, experiences and backgrounds, including our riders and we came together for a shared purpose and this is something we will all treasure.”
Yarrive Konsky – Team Director
“It’s still surreal, I didn’t know where we would finish and this is a dream many don’t achieve and I am grateful of everyone’s efforts. We will now turn our attention to our final race then on to testing for next year. We want to be prepared for the Motocross Championship and preparation begins now.”
Round 2 of the Oceanic Supercross Championship will be held in New Zealand on the 24th Novemeber in Aukland. For more information on Penrite Factory Honda Racing go to www.hondamx.com.au
