Brett Metcalfe’s racing life could easily be subtitled “Guy Meets World.” In 2002, at the age of 18, he packed his bags and headed for Europe to compete in the World Motocross GP Series MX2, leaving his native Australia far behind. It was quite an adjustment.

“Probably the biggest thing I learned was just moving away from home and Australia, and learning to prepare yourself, by yourself, for the Grand Prix scene and professional racing,” he says. “For one, there were more things to learn, and dealing with so many different people speaking different languages. And then just the tracks, the way the racing is—the format is very different from American racing or Australian.”

It was only one year later, in 2003, that Metcalfe came stateside to begin his U.S. racing career. He subsequently competed in both East and West Supercross support class championships, eventually winning the U.S. Open in Las Vegas in 2005. That podium visit left a lasting impression.

“Winning in Vegas in ’05 was the biggest highlight of my American racing career, as far as Supercross goes.” Yet Metcalfe is no stranger to the podium, finishing the 2008 motocross season in third place and ascending last year’s Supercross podium three times before finishing fourth in the title hunt.

This year, Metcalfe has teamed up with GEICO Powersports Honda to pilot the CRF250R in both Supercross Lites and Motocross 250 championships. His enthusiasm is obvious.

“It’s an awesome opportunity. The team has been around for over 10 years now, and it’s established itself as one of the top teams on the circuit. The CRF250R is a great bike; there isn’t one thing that is lacking in the handling or engine power. As soon as I jumped on it, it was so comfortable. That gives the rider a lot of confidence to ride fast. When you’re in a race situation and you go to the edge, you just have that confidence.”

For several years, Metcalfe has represented his home country at the Motocross des Nations. It stands out as one of his favorite events. “I loved the chance to get to go, the event is just so special. The whole atmosphere—that all teams in the world that race motorcycles come together and compete against each other, and the enthusiastic fans—is just awesome.”

He finds a similar spirit on the GEICO Powersports Honda team, which has several Australian members.“It is cool to have some diversity on the team. It helps everyone have a good time and enjoy their work, and understand that they are performing in front of a worldwide audience.”

Metcalfe’s plans for 2009 reflect the experience of a seasoned rider who has his game plan firmly in place.

“My ultimate goal is just to get out there and put myself in the position to win some races this year, be on
that podium. Take it race by race, and try and go for some wins. I think if I can pull that off, the championship may come my way.”