Trey Canard currently sits third overall in the 450SX points chase, one point behind Ryan Dungey in second. Image: Simon Cudby.

Honda Muscle Milk’s duo consisting of Trey Canard and Justin Barcia, has put on a strong start to the 2013 Monster Energy Supercross season.

Apart from a few rookie mishaps from Barcia, the young riders have consistently been running at the pointy end of the field, proving that Honda’s program of bringing riders through the ranks from a young ages is quite a successful formula.

After winning round two at Phoenix, Barcia suffered a rough few rounds, before bouncing back at Anaheim round five of the series last weekend, landing himself on the 450SX podium in third place.

“I am really happy with how tonight went,” said Barcia. “This is an awesome way to come back after the last two weekends that I have had. I was riding really good and am looking forward to next weekend.”

Teammate Canard has laid down some brilliant performances within the first five rounds, coming ever so close to taking the season opening Anaheim 1 win.

Canard’s Anaheim 3 performance was sub-par to his previous rounds, but the young 450SX contender looks forward to turning that around at this weekend’s San Diego round.

“It was one of those nights that you just need to do your best to keep going,” said Canard. “I was riding really cautious in the beginning and stalled my bike. After that I made another mistake. It was a tough night but I need to just look forward and head into next weekend.”

Canard currently sits third overall in the 450SX standings, just 15 points behind series leader Davi Millsaps. Barcia holds seventh place in the championship chase after his misfortune at the last two rounds.