Image: Marc Jones Photography.

Honda Racing has made the signing of Kirk Gibbs official for the 2021 Australian ProMX Championship, joining the returning Brett Metcalfe and Kyle Webster in the three-rider line-up.

Gibbs transfers across from CDR Yamaha to ride the all-new CRF450R in a motocross-only contract, before Justin Brayton will take charge in Australian Supercross.

“Honda have won many championships and races – after three days of testing with the team I can see why,” 2015 MX1 national champion and current New Zealand title-holder Gibbs commented. “The team is committed and focused and has competitive resources available to them.

“There is no reason we can’t contend for the championship next year. I know its what people expect me to say, but the new Honda 450 is fast – amazingly fast – and after three days of testing we have a great package that will only get better.”

Metcalfe, meanwhile, will spend his fourth season with the Konsky Motorsport-owned organisation, winning last weekend’s AMX MXOpen in commanding fashion on debut aboard Honda’s latest premier class entry.

“I raced the new 450R stock, pulled the holeshot and won both races against other factory riders,” the experienced South Australian said. “I haven’t experienced a bike that fast in standard trim. Following three days of testing I feel we have made some significant gains and I am looking forward to our next test in January.”

After spending time in Europe this year, Webster will return with Honda in the MX2 seat riding the CRF250R, while Emma Milesevic will also be part of the factory effort in the MXW division of ProMX.

“We have strengthened our technical team to manage our expectations,” Yarrive Konsky stated. “Our team is made up of some of the world’s best riders and we believe in them and our motorcycles. The new 450R has already exceeded our expectations and, together with Team HRC in America and Europe, we believe we will prove its capabilities.”

Its been a turbulent period for the Honda Racing team, confirming it has parted ways with longtime title sponsor Penrite – information on replacements still to be revealed – and it was also revealed that Luke Clout would be returning to Yamaha following a single term with Konsky Motorsport in the US.

Konsky will also continue to field an expanded program in Monster Energy Supercross, signing four-time defending Australian champion Brayton to lead its 450SX effort before travelling to Australia later in the year, while its 250SX riders and an incoming naming-rights partner are also to be announced.