Honda Australia press release:

The Penrite Honda factory team are keen to keep the momentum going after a successful start to the Australian Supercross Championship.

Team Director Yarrive Konsky attributed the teams round 1 success to continual testing to ensure riders felt as comfortable as possible heading into the season.

“Racing provides the best platform to test everything. We gathered a lot of data before and after round 1 and have spent valuable time testing over the three-week break. Every tenth counts, we feel we have achieved some positive gains and will push to keep that points lead in the SX1 and hope to improve our position in the SX2.” Konsky said.

Current points leader and reigning Australian Supercross Champion Justin Brayton races each round as strategically as possible, to safeguard his lead and that red plate on his CRF450R.

Brayton has held the red plate since his first race with Honda in 2016 and although confident, he is realistic when approaching race day.

“20 riders line up in the main event across a 22 meter starting pad.

We are all vying for the fastest line into turn one, which is only 6-8 meters wide. I am confident we have done everything we can to be competitive but I am a realist, I know anything can happen in Supercross,” said Brayton.

Brayton is coming off a fantastic year in America where he won the famous Daytona Supercross and finished 5 th overall for the season. He understands it’s a long season and knows consistency is key to coming out on top at the end of it all.

“There are 10 finals to be raced including this weekend as rounds three; four and five are made up of a 3 race final format so consistency matters. I need to race smart and consistent,” continued Brayton.

Brayton’s teammate Brett Metcalfe is no stranger to tough competition having raced the best riders all over the world. The South Australian sits 2 nd in the Championship and his goal is to maintain podium finishes.

“I am enjoying racing Supercross. We have a competitive bike and testing between rounds has been extremely effective. I can’t wait for the gate to drop this weekend, my goal is to be on the podium,” said Metcalfe.

The teams SX2 rider Bradley Taft has enjoyed the break, settling into solid routine for his riding and training. Taft finished 2 nd in round 1 and also understands the importance of consistency.

“I need to be consistent; we all know every point counts. It’s been good to have a few weeks to settle and prepare. I know it sounds funny as I am from America but this is my home race as we are based on the Sunshine Coast and I feel this will be an advantage as I will be able to sleep at our house and eat at home which all helps,” said Taft.

Round 2 of the Australian Supercross Championship is in Coolum on the Sunshine Coast. Research St, Coolum Beach QLD 4573.

Gates open at 10am and racing starts at 2.30. Don’t miss out on the pit party which starts at 1.30pm.

The Penrite Factory Honda Team will have selected merchandise for sale at their transporter. For more information go to www.hondamx.com.au or www.australiansupercross.com.au