Having taken the last three Championships in the SX1, the team have every intention to keep that #1 plate on the Honda CRF450R.
Brayton admits he is hungrier than ever for this victory, particularly with his recent signing to the HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) Factory off road team in America for the 2020 season. Noting it would be an ideal lead into his American season, which kicks off in January.
“It would be a dream run heading into 2020, that’s for sure. I mean it has been a super competitive season this year in Australia; more so than previous years as the quality of riders has certainly stepped up so winning would be even sweeter. I will need to ride strategically but one thing is clear; I want to win and I want to keep the streak going so I will do all that I can to make it happen.” Brayton said.
The setting for this final round is nothing short of iconic, with Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium playing host to what will be the largest international Supercross and action sports event ever held outside of the USA as well as the biggest off-road motorcycle racing and action sports event in Australian history.
The engineering to pull of an event like this almost eclipses the event itself, arguably unmatched by any Supercross event in the world. With over 5,100 Railway Sleepers and 1,856 Steel Prop supports imported and constructed in the lower level carpark, to handle and hold the immense pressure of over 850 truckloads and up to 6,000 tonnes of dirt.
Brayton is pleased to see how much this event has grown over the years, since his first year competing with Honda in Australia back in 2016.
“This Championship has gained so much momentum locally and overseas; I know guys back home who stream this final round because it’s such great quality racing. It’s just getting better and better, the crowds are growing and it’s certainly put Australia on the world Supercross radar.” Brayton added.
Australian racing veteran and the teams other SX1 contender, Brett Metcalfe hopes for one better from last year as he prepares for battle.
“Finishing 2nd last year was great but I would love to step it up, it’s always challenging racing for 1 and 2 with a team mate but that’s racing isn’t it. It’s going to be a big night either way!” Metcalfe said.
The team are also gunning for the SX2 (250cc) title, with SX2 rider Chris Blose currently sitting in 2nd and teammate Mitchell Oldenburg sitting 4th.
Penrite Honda Racing team Director, Yarrive Konsky knows it’s going to be a significant night of racing for the team with this much sitting in the balance.
“Both titles would be a fairy-tale finish to our year, I can’t deny that and of course it’s what we all want,” Konsky said.
Also admitting he is blown away with the growth of the Championship and the efforts of event organisers, AME Management in making it the world-class event it’s become.
“Back when we decided to get Justin out here, we never imagined the success he would have nor his impact locally. The level of professionalism and high grade competitors wanting to come out and race is amazing. AME have done an outstanding job to grow this final round, the AUS X, and our team, Penrite Honda Racing hopes to walk away with our 4th victory in the SX1 on Saturday night.” Konsky concluded.
