Yoshimura Suzuki St. Louis Report

ST. LOUIS, MO – This past Saturday night’s round nine of the 2012 AMA/FIM Supercross Series at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, MO, was a turning point for Team Yoshimura Suzuki. Australian Brett Metcalfe overcame some recent struggles to put in a steadfast ride on his Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450, which bodes well for the remainder of the 2012 season. Additionally, a record-breaking crowd of almost 60,000 was on hand to cheer on the Yoshimura Suzuki rider to his eighth-place finish.

This weekend’s race started slowly for the Yoshimura Suzuki team. During the first two practice sessions, Metcalfe turned in some solid laps but, in the process, tweaked his leg along the way. Fortunately, he was still able to make some real progress with the Yoshimura Suzuki MR-Z450 before race time.

“This track suits me,” said Metcalfe. “The dirt’s really tacky and gets nice ruts, and it’s tight and pretty technical. In the last practice, we made a change with the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450, and I started to feel comfortable, and get a good flow and be at one with the bike. I really want to thank the Yoshimura Suzuki team for getting me that.”

At the onset of the evening’s racing, Metcalfe’s leg was still bothering him and he was forced to sit out the opening ceremonies. Despite this, Metcalfe managed to get the holeshot in his eight-lap heat race, lead the first few laps and finish fourth. In the 20-lap main event, Metcalfe again got a good start on his Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 and brought home a top-10 result.

“We got the holeshot in the heat race and that was a good start for us,” said Metcalfe. “I rode solid and got a fourth, and I was happy that I was riding well. In the main event, I got a good start but then I got pushed wide and got hung up a little bit. But I was in a good flow and in race mode, more so than I’ve been all year. We only got an eighth and we’re working on improving those results, but I think this weekend was a turning point for my season.”

As the series’ East Coast rounds continue, Metcalfe is feeling comfortable and confident on the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450. As a result, the Australian is counting down the days until next weekend’s race in Florida.

“Daytona is always tough, physically and mentally,” said Metcalfe. “It’s more of an Outdoor track but still with some gnarly Supercross obstacles. It’s going to be tough, but I’m just really stoked with where the Suzuki’s at right now and the feeling I have with the RM-Z450. I’m looking forward to a good week and being strong at Daytona and improving on the results we’ve been picking off.”

Team Yoshimura Suzuki Racing’s next event is the 10th round of the 2012 AMA/FIM Supercross Championship on Saturday, March 10th, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL.

 

St. Louis Supercross Class Results:

1.  Ryan Villopoto

2.  Ryan Dungey

3.  Justin Brayton

4.  Kevin Windham

5.  James Stewart

6.  Davi Millsaps

7.  Jake Weimer

8.  Brett Metcalfe

9.  Marvin Musquin

10. Nick Wey

 

2012 Supercross Class Standings:

1.  Ryan Villopoto – 205

2.  Ryan Dungey – 192

3.  James Stewart – 152

4.  Chad Reed – 128

5.  Kevin Windham – 123

6.  Jake Weimer – 120

7.  Justin Brayton – 116

8.  Brett Metcalfe – 113

9.  Davi Millsaps – 109

10. Mike Alessi – 98