Image: Simon Makker.

A trio of Monster Energy MX Nationals privateers have been handed the factory opportunity of a lifetime following an invitation to test with the factory Penrite Honda Racing team this week.

South Australian duo Daniel Banks and Riley Graham were joined by South Cup MX1 winner Lewis Woods in a selection event at Frankston in Victoria this week, with team owner Yarrive Konsky today confirming that all three are slated to feature on the team in guest appearances.

“The concept was simple, because we’ve had an unfortunate year this year with riders getting injured again,” Konsky explained to MotoOnline. “In the past we’ve looked overseas to fill the gap when our factory riders have unfortunately hurt themselves.

“I have seen that within the industry how much harder it seems to be and a lot of the guys on race plans haven’t had that luxury so much this year as things tighten up. We’d really just like to give some guys a chance.

“We have bikes that are being unused for the most part, two fulltime mechanics, and we really should have riders out there on them. All of our sponsors have rallied behind it and it’s a really rewarding concept to be behind.”

It’s expected Banks will make his debut on the factory-backed Honda CRF450R of Cody Cooper at the Raymond Terrace round, before Graham and Woods will individually join the team across the closing rounds.

Former world champion Ben Townley has made two national appearances to date since Cooper’s season-ending knee injury, at Wanneroo and Conondale respectively. He’s tentatively scheduled for one final outing at Coolum.