Honda Motocross rider Dean Ferris has been training hard both on and off the bike to get ready for a big move up to the Pro Open class at round 1 of the MX Nationals at Horsham in Victoria on 28 March.

Ferris couldn’t be happier with his 2010 CRF450R and is looking forward to the opportunity to test himself against the cream of Australia’s motocross talent. The MX Nationals have taken on an international flavour this year with a number of overseas riders competing, further lifting the level and credibility of the series this season.

“The addition of the internationally known riders impacted greatly on my decision to move to the Open class this year,” Ferris said. “I really want to forge a career overseas so it will be a great development opportunity for me to ride against these guys who are capable of achieving top ten results in international competition.”

Ferris has been working closely with multiple Motocross/Supercross champion Glen Bell on his physical and mental preparation, whilst the development of the CRF450R has been overseen by technician Cory Glock.

“I am over the moon this year to be surrounded by very experienced people, from my management team to Glen Bell, who has assisted in all the testing and provided fantastic insight and experience into the machine’s performance,” Ferris said. “My mechanic Cory Glock has really shown me that meticulous machine preparation is paramount to success.”

Ferris is proud to announce that he now has the support of a number of industry sponsors including HRC, M2R Helmets, Fly Racewear , Dragon Eyewear, Sidi Boots, FMF, Motul, RK Chains, Vortex Handlebars and Sprockets , Zeta Controls, Ninetwo Graphics, Pirelli Tyres, Mountain Shade Marquees, Rhythm clothing and Honda Australia.

“All of these guys have made my year a possibility, and whilst it still won’t be financially easy, I am confident we have the right equipment and products to achieve the kind of results these people expect,” he concluded.