Image: Jeff Crow.

Penrite Honda Racing will exit the MX2 category of the MX Nationals in 2015, instead focusing on the MX1 ranks in a bid to challenge for the premier class title.

The factory operation won the 2012 MX2 championship with Ford Dale, before fielding Josh Cachia in 2013 and 2014. Injuries have impacted the team’s progress since, prompting team owner Yarrive Konsky to reassess its structure for 2015.

“Ultimately I needed to reassess and pinpoint areas where I needed to improve,” Konsky told MotoOnline. “I feel that a focused effort in the MX1 class is required to maximise the team’s chances of delivering a championship to our sponsors.

“I haven’t ruled out running a 250 rider in supercross. There is provision for our team to race in both categories and we will review it early in the piece next year.”

Penrite Honda currently leads the Australian Supercross Championship in SX2 with American import Gavin Faith, who won the title for the team in 2012.

Honda’s MX2 exit leaves the defending champion Serco Yamaha outfit as the lone official factory team in the 250 class, with both Suzuki and Kawasaki shelving their official programs prior to 2013. KTM, Husqvarna and TM all support privately-run teams.

Williams Event Management (WEM) confirmed in September that increased restrictions will be placed on the 250 two-strokes within the MX2 category, pitted up against the 250F entries.

Honda is yet to finalise its MX1 rider line-up for next year however, after New Zealand champion Cody Cooper was sidelined with injury through much of 2014. Ben Townley made a number of high profile guest appearances during the season, going on to win a moto at Coolum’s finale.