Source: Supplied.

American Justin Brayton has been officially named as the lead rider on a new-look Honda Genuine Racing team launched by former fulltime factory team boss Yarrive Konsky this afternoon for the 2016 Australian Supercross Championship.

Brayton, 30, will ride a CRF450R and will be joined by another US rider to be announced on Friday in the SX1 category. Defending SX2 champion Jimmy Decotis will also form part of the Honda-backed operation.

The team is supported by the Honda Genuine Oils, Parts and Accessories division of Honda Australia. It will be run alongside the separate Penrite Honda team of another American, Gavin Faith, which will also support Josh Cachia.

Brayton has previously raced in Australia during 2010 during the first three rounds of Super X, winning the Tasmanian round. After spending 2016 racing for Team BTO Sport-KTM-WPS in the US, he will now return to race a Honda for the first time since 2012.

“My time with Honda was amazing and it feels great to return,” Brayton said. “I have been testing with Honda in the US and, together with the HGA Honda Racing Team in Australia, they have been able to create this unbelievable opportunity.”

Honda Australia brand and racing manager Glyn Griffiths welcomed Brayton to the team, noting the brand’s extensive support of factory-supported and satellite teams that will enter the Australian Supercross Championship this season.

“We have the official factory team run by Motologic with Dylan Long and Jay Wilson, our satellite [SX2] program with Kyle Webster and Joel Whiteman and now our Honda Genuine-backed program under the management of Yarrive Konsky, as well as the Penrite Honda program. This is a strong line-up. The SX championship was well-received last year and we were encouraged to step up our commitment.”

Brayton finished eighth in the 2016 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, standings. His best results came with fifth-place finishes in the 450SX main event at both Atlanta and East Rutherford.