Image: Jeff Crow.

Popular supercross racer Taylor Potter will join the Penrite Honda Racing team for this weekend’s final round of the 2015 Penrite Australian Supercross Championship presented by Ryco Filters at Melbourne’s Knights Stadium.

The likeable and hard working Victorian raced to second overall in the 2014 SX2 championship and has been tenaciously chasing his dream in America, and more recently Germany, during the Australian off-season.

Potter, who will line-up in the premier SX1 class (450cc) has endured a trying year dealing with injuries and the devastating recent loss of his mother Jennie after a long battle with cancer. Although he acknowledges a podium is a long shot, Potter believes anything can happen once the gate drops and said he is determined to finish this year on a high.

“I approached Yarrive to see if he had a bike he could lend me to use to prepare for Germany,” Potter said. “As well as lending me the bike, he also offered me a ride in the final round. This isn’t the first time Yarrive has helped me behind the scenes with a bike to practice on. There have been several occasions where I have called on a favour.

“It has definitely been a really tough year, I raced injured in America and my family and I have been dealing with my mother’s cancer. I got the call up whilst I was in Germany to fly home and mum passed away last week. I know she is in a happier place now and I will be riding for her this weekend, as well as my entire family and friends.

“Mum always used to say that I have two arms and two legs like every other rider, so I have the same chance they have once the race starts. I will be giving it my all this weekend and I hope everyone comes out to support the event.”

Team principal Yarrive Konsky approached Potter prior to his departure for Germany with the offer to contest the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship with the Penrite Honda Racing team.

“When Anthony Rodriguez left due to personal illness we wanted to fill his spot,” Konsky explained. “I felt Taylor deserved an opportunity and we provided him with a Honda CRF450 to ride and prepare for both the final round and the German series.

“It has been a tough year for Taylor and I would love nothing more than to see him end the year on a high, surrounded by friends, family and fans. I have known Jennie and Taylor for more than 10 years. I remember coaching Taylor as a junior and the enthusiasm and support he had from his family was infectious.

“As the current number two rider in the SX2 championship Taylor deserved this ride and personally I needed Jennie to know that her son rode for the factory Honda team. I believe Taylor can run inside the top five and I am looking forward to having him in our colours on the weekend.”

The final round of the 2015 Penrite Australian Supercross Championhip will be held at Melbourne’s Knights Stadium on Saturday 5 December.