Image: Jeremy Hammer (Foremost Media).

Current Australian supercross SX1 points leader and Honda Genuine Racing rider Justin Brayton has returned to the United States of America to continue testing aboard the Honda CRF450R.

Brayton captured the main event win at the opening round of the 2016 Australian Supercross Championship earlier this month in Jimboomba, Queensland, despite only having a limited amount of time on the Honda after racing for an alternative manufacturer throughout the Monster Energy Supercross and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross championships.

Honda Genuine Racing team owner Yarrive Konsky confirmed to MotoOnline.com.au that Brayton returned to his homeland, as he endeavours to become more acquainted with the Honda following further testing with Showa and Honda America.

“It was a month out from round one when we started piecing the deal together with Justin,” Konsky explained. “He only had the opportunity to be on a Honda for three days prior to round one, and he had limited time with Showa and Honda America.”

“The opportunity to return there and continue testing with Cole Seely and Ken Roczen presented itself, so it was the smartest thing for Justin to do. He was also originally contracted to race an event in Bulgaria which was cancelled due to political reasons, so that allowed him to spend more time in America and continue testing.”

Konsky revealed that Brayton’s relationship with American Honda from his time with their factory outfit in 2012 has allowed him to receive support from the manufacturer as he travels between the US and Australia.

“Justin left Honda with a great relationship intact, so when this opportunity presented itself, it allowed him to revisit those relationships to help create something.”

The remaining US riders of Konsky’s Honda Genuine Racing and Penrite Honda teams – Adam Enticknap, Jimmy Decotis and Gavin Faith – have continued their testing in Australia as the resources available are at an adequate level.

“Our sport has evolved so much in Australia,” Konsky continued. “Our tracks are now relevant, 10 years ago it was a someone’s backyard who had a bobcat and it wasn’t purposefully built for supercross. It limited the opportunity to prepare.”

“Now we are able to give any American rider the opportunity to test, practice and ride on the same style of tracks that they will compete on in the US – there is no real reason for them to have to go back,” he added.

Brayton will join his teammates in Australia for the second round of supercross next month in Toowoomba, and will remain in the country following the Queensland round for the duration of the championship.

Fellow American Adam Enticknap will fly to Sweden next week for an event, although he will also return to Australia prior to round two.