Penrite Honda signing Brett Metcalfe made his first competitive appearance with the team at the weekend’s New Holland Adelaide 500 Split Rhythm.

The South Australian international was third overall in the unique event dominated by Dan Reardon, also marking his return to a supercross-type arena.

“I did over 30 race starts across the three days, which was beneficial to me and the team,” Metcalfe reflected.

“It was intense and the racing was close. I really enjoyed it, the whole event was a great spectacle, plus it was nice racing only an hour from home.”

Metcalfe will feature as Penrite Honda’s sole rider in the 2018 Pirelli MX Nationals as the Yarrive Konsky-operated factory team returns to the outdoors alongside its championship-winning supercross program led by Justin Brayton in the past two seasons.

Last season in the motocross series Metcalfe finished seventh overall, beginning the season with the SD3 Husqvarna team, entering a privateer KTM at Murray Bridge and then finishing off the season with Kawasaki on his way to a string of podium results.