Image: Supplied.

Defending national MXW champion Charli Cannon has completed her shock move from Yamalube Yamaha Racing to Honda Racing entering 2024, targeting a third-straight Penrite ProMX Championship in the category.

Cannon, 18, is regarded as one of the brightest young female racers in the world and has now been made official at Honda for next year following a rapid rise to.

“Honda’s strong support for women in motorsport, coupled with their dedication to being at the forefront of racing, is impressive,” she said. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and eagerly anticipate building on the success I’ve achieved so far.”

“I am really grateful to everyone involved. Just as they wrapped up the supercross championship, they are diving headfirst into testing and gearing up for a big race in January in New Zealand, where I’ll proudly represent Australia. I value the efforts of everyone at Honda and their commitment to racing.”

Honda Australia, general manager of Powersports and Products, Tony Hinton added: “We’ve witnessed a remarkable surge in women’s involvement in racing and recreational riding. Honda actively promotes and encourages women to engage at every level, be it junior or senior. We’re thrilled to welcome Charli Cannon, Australia’s leading female racer, to our Honda family.”

It’s uncertain where Cannon will continue her international career beyond the Oceania event with Honda Racing – the Yarrive Konsky-led team that also operates Fire Power Honda in AMA Supercross and the World Supercross Championship – after finishing ninth in the Women’s Motocross World Championship this year.