Australian Brett Metcalfe has turned his attention to the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, satisfied with his performance during the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series.

Metcalfe finished eighth in the standings as Yoshimura Suzuki’s lone 450 class contender, but experienced a luckless finish to his title campaign with an 18th-place finish in Las Vegas’ finale.

Metcalfe suffered a practice crash that resulted in medical evaluation. Although he was released to race, he wasn’t 100 percent fit, but he carded a solid fourth-place finish in his heat race.

In the main event, Metcalfe continued to push hard and ran in a podium position for several laps before some problems resulted in 18th.

“The last few rounds have been a challenge,” said Metcalfe. “We’ve had some old-fashioned bad luck, but that happens to everyone. I’m just glad to finish the season relatively healthy and in the top 10 in points.

“Now I’m already focusing on getting ready for the outdoors in a few weeks and I’m looking forward to that.”

When the nationals commence at Hangtown on 19 May, Metcalfe will enter the season as a dark horse for the title, recognised for his superior outdoor skills since stepping up to the 450 Class in 2010.

It was announced this morning that Metcalfe’s Yoshimura Suzuki team will expand to two riders for the outdoors, with James Stewart signing following AMA Supercross.