Honda Australia press release:

The Penrite Honda Racing team is set to contest round 1 of the 2018 Australian Supercross Championship in both the SX1 and SX2 classes this coming weekend in Jimboomba, Queensland.

Reigning 450cc Champion Justin Brayton will team up with Australia’s Brett Metcalfe in the SX1 class (450cc) and Brad Taft will compete in the SX2 class (250cc).

The team have achieved terrific success in Supercross over the last few seasons across both classes and team director Yarrive Konsky hopes to maintain momentum this year.

“We have achieved strong results over the last 5 years; Honda provides us with fantastic motorcycles, mix this with the riders we’ve had on board and it’s a winning combination. Testing this year has proven successful and we believe we will be a competitive team again this year,” said Konsky.

New recruit and amateur Champion Brad Taft is ready for his first season racing in Australia. Regular riders Gavin Faith and Chris Blose could not return to Australia to compete again this year due to injury so Taft knows there is pressure on him to perform.

“I am keen to get out there at round 1 and give it my all. I’m competing against riders I’ve not raced against before and I know I need to come out firing.” Taft said.

The teams’ SX1 combo of Metcalfe and Brayton will certainly draw a crowd, with both riders adding another level of professionalism and skill to the stacked SX1 class.

Australian-born Metcalfe is looking forward to working alongside Brayton during the season, with hopes they can both achieve consistent podiums for Honda.

“Justin is a fast racer and it seems to me that he has improved with age. There is that great time in your career where experience is priceless and Justin has found that balance in his life and riding. I look forward to working together to put both CRF450Rs on the podium, which would be the ultimate dream for everyone involved. I am feeling confident and to be honest, I am really enjoying riding and can’t wait to go racing.” Metcalfe said.

Justin Brayton landed in Australia last week, settling into his new ‘home away from home’ in Noosa with his wife and children. Brayton is progressing well with the team’s first week of testing and is ready to defend his back-to-back title.

Round 1 of the Australian Supercross Championship is at Jimboomba, Queensland this coming Saturday. For more information on the team, go to www.hondamx.com.au