Source: Supplied.

Team Honda HRC has announced that Christian Craig will ride the factory CRF450R of Ken Roczen during the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

Craig, who is currently contesting the East Coast 250SX series with GEICO Honda, joins Team Honda HRC outdoors alongside Cole Seely.

“Honestly, when I got the call that factory Honda wanted me to fill in, I couldn’t stop smiling,” Craig said. “To have this opportunity is an honour. Obviously, everyone including me is so bummed Kenny got hurt and I’ll do everything in my power to make the team and Kenny happy they chose me as the guy to ride his bike while he recovers.

“I’ll be going into the season open-minded and as prepared as I can be. The 450 class is more stacked than ever, but hopefully after the first couple rounds I’ll be able to learn the pace and see where I fit in. Thanks to the entire Team Honda HRC and GEICO Honda crews for allowing this to happen, and to Kenny for letting me borrow his bike for the summer. I’m beyond grateful.”

Craig has spent considerable time in the 450 Class during his career, including during the 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2014 Pro Motocross seasons. He has a career-best finish of seventh.