Brad Anderson has been elevated to an MX Nationals title favourite for Honda. Image: Shayne Rice.

Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing team riders Brad Anderson and Ford Dale remain focused on the Monster Energy MX Nationals, despite the news that Kiwi teammate Ben Townley will be departing the team.

Townley will be absent from Honda Australia’s factory motocross program in the MX Nationals as he instead moves to TwoTwo Motorsports in the U.S, but that won’t change the game plan of Anderson or Dale one bit.

At Wonthaggi in Victoria for the State Championships last weekend, Anderson won four from four in a dominant showing, with teammate Ford Dale regrouping after a first race crash two win the final two races in the Lites.

“I hadn’t raced in over three months and nothing is like racing,” said two-time British champion Anderson. “[My arms] pumped up straight away but had to ride through it because Todd was right there if I made a mistake.

“I hate losing more than I like winning. I went hard in the final three races to take each win. I’m happy with my result but know I need to work harder going into round one.”

Dale made good starts to his races but was unfortunate to be caught in an unavoidable incident in race one, which saw him re-mount the bike in last place. He went on to dominate the final two Lites motos and was pleased with the progress made.

“I was disappointed with the first moto, between Brad and I we wanted to win all seven races, but some things are unavoidable and I’ll definitely learn from that first race collision,” said Dale.

“I am happy with my speed and fitness – we have two weeks to go and I am well on track with my preparation. My bike is awesome and I can’t wait to ride it at the first round of the MX Nationals.”

The MX Nationals season opener will take place at Conondale in Queensland on Sunday, 1 April.