Image: Foremost Media.

Honda Racing’s title-leading MX2 entry will be one of the most coveted seats in the category this silly season after Kyle Webster’s confirmed transition to the 450 class from 2022.

With current MX2 championship leader Webster making the step up to the MX1 category next season, a number of contingents are in pursuit of one of the factory-backed CRF250R.

Honda Racing team owner Yarrive Konsky has indicated that there are no shortage of potential candidates and, while a decision on who will fill the vacant position has not yet been made, he was able to provide insight on some riders who were on his radar.

“We’ve had several riders contact us from Australia and overseas and there are others who haven’t that we have our eyes on,” Konsky told MotoOnline. “There are limited seats and Honda has proven to have a competitive 250 so we are definitely fielding calls.”

The 2020 Australian Motocross Championship was cancelled due to implications surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, meaning a gap year in national racing has really put some fresh young talent on the radar. International talent is also being considered, including Australians overseas.

“Keep in mind last year we didn’t race, so your Alex Larwoods, Blake Foxs, Benny Novaks, Ryder Kingsfords and Cambell Williams, for example, these young kids coming through I never got the chance to really watch where they are at with their ability. I’ve only been able to watch them ride against or compare their lap times with the best MX2 riders this year.

“Who knows what Jed Beaton or Wilson Todd are doing, both of them age out of that MX2 class in Europe at the end of this year. The same problem is in place in America with Supercross and again there are potentially limited seats.

“I look across to America and there are some great riders there – Jordon Smith, Mitchell Harrison – who rode for us, Mitchell Oldenburg, Alex Martin, so there’s some potential international flavour I can look at bringing across to compete in Australia. As much as people have frowned upon me for doing that, it has certainly elevated our exposure internationally.

“My primary objective is to win the MX2 class and prove how strong that Honda’s 250 really is. Do I have an exact answer for you? No, do I have some people we are talking to… 100 percent.”

It’s also anticipated that Honda will release an all-new CRF250R from 2022. At this stage, riders will get their next chance to prove themselves on the domestic national stage when the Penrite ProMX Championship resumes at Gillman on 4-5 September.

“I am not sure what Honda is releasing but I am not worried as their current 250 has proven to win championships all over the world and Honda’s current 2021 250 leads the Australian and American Motocross championships,” Konsky added.

“The hardest thing we face is the delay we are facing with the postponement of racing. The championship in Australia would be nearly finished by now. Time will tell which way we go”.