YOSHIMURA SUZUKI NOTCHES ONE MORE TOP-FIVE FINISH AT NEW ORLEANS SUPERCROSS
April 15, 2012
NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 15, 2012) – Yoshimura Suzuki Racing’s Brett Metcalfe turned in a stellar performance in the Big Easy on Saturday night, piloting his Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 to a very respectable fourth-place finish at round 14 of the 2012 AMA/FIM Supercross Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. This finish marks Metcalfe’s fourth top-five result of the 2012 season.
The New Orleans race followed a one-weekend hiatus that gave Metcalfe a much-needed rest. Although he took advantage of the down time, Metcalfe was more than ready to race on Saturday night. Case in point, the Australian started the night by getting the holeshot on his Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 in his eight-lap heat race. Although the slippery track included a challenging sand section, Metcalfe gave 100 percent and finished third.
“It was nice to have a weekend off and come back with a fresh start,” said Metcalfe. “I wanted to come and try to do some good today, and I felt like we did. The Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 was great in practice and I felt comfortable. We struggled in one segment, but I was really putting down good laps on the rest of the track and I was happy with the way I was riding. In the heat race, we ripped the holeshot, but then I went back a couple of spots when I made a mistake in the sand. But I still got third and was able to get a good gate pick for the main.”
In the main event, Metcalfe got an excellent start on his Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 and maneuvered through the sea of ricocheting riders relatively unscathed. He made an effort to turn smooth, consistent laps and looked for ways to find more speed throughout all 20 laps. In the end, Metcalfe finished up the race in an impressive fourth.
“I got another great start in the main,” said Metcalfe. “But that first lap, I was like a ping pong ball. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and I got slammed around and dropped back a few places. But once I got going and into a rhythm, I was able to click off some good laps. Finally, about midway through the race, I finally found a better line in the segment I was struggling with, and I was able to pick it up and I got back up to fourth.”
With just three races remaining, Metcalfe and the Yoshimura Suzuki squad want to finish the season strong. Said Metcalfe: “I’m looking forward to Seattle. We’ll be working hard this week and come out next weekend and keep this momentum going.”
Team Yoshimura Suzuki Racing’s next event is the 15th round of the 2012 AMA/FIM Supercross Championship on Saturday, April 21st, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA. You can meet Team Yoshimura Suzuki Racing’s Brett Metcalfe on Friday, April 20th from 6 to 7 PM at Hinshaw’s Motorcycle store, 1611 West Valley Highway South, Auburn, WA.
New Orleans Supercross Class Results:
1. Ryan Villopoto
2. Josh Grant
3. Justin Brayton
4. Brett Metcalfe
5. Andrew Short
6. Davi Millsaps
7. Weston Peick
8. Kyle Chisholm
9. Wil Hahn
10. Broc Tickle
2012 Supercross Class Standings:
1. Ryan Villopoto – 321
2. Davi Millsaps – 206
3. Justin Brayton – 201
4. Ryan Dungey – 192
5. James Stewart – 178
6. Brett Metcalfe – 172
7. Jake Weimer – 171
8. Kevin Windham – 166
9. Mike Alessi – 162
10. Broc Tickle – 133
About Yoshimura R&D of America: Yoshimura is “The Leader in Performance” and has been for more than 55 years. With unmatched skills, knowledge and passion for racing, Yoshimura is on the forefront of the aftermarket exhaust industry. Yoshimura pipes are race bred and feature the same legendary performance, fit, and quality that have been their trademark for more than five decades. To learn more about Yoshimura and view their wide variety of performance products, visit www.yoshimura-rd.com.
About Suzuki: Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) founded The Motorcycle and ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, CA, in 1963. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries. For more information, visit www.suzukicycles.com. Follow Suzuki Scoop on facebook for exclusive team content www.facebook.com/suzukiscoopfans.
Team Yoshimura Suzuki is grateful for the support of their sponsors: Yoshimura R&D, Dunlop, Motorex, Vortex, ONE Industries, Showa, Renegade Fuels, Pro Taper, Hinson Clutch Components, D.I.D, Twin Air, Works Connection, Thor, Excel, Mechanix Wear, CP Pistons, Matrix and NGK.
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