Honda Factory Team and Support Teams Gear Up for 2012 Supercross Season Opener

Torrance, CA: The short off-season period is hardly a slow time of year as the Honda Red Riders gear up in preparation for the 2012 AMA Supercross series, an FIM world Championship, which is set to launch on January 7 in Anaheim, California. With all the team rosters filling out, here’s a preview of things to come.

 

Justin Brayton - team Honda - 2012
Justin Brayton joins Trey Canard in the factory Honda rig in 2012. Photo by Hoppenworld


– Team Honda Muscle Milk

The American Honda team will roll into 2012 with our new sponsor Muscle Milk, featuring riders Trey Canard and Justin Brayton aboard the 2012 Honda CRF450R. In addition, the team enjoys the support of GEICO, Pro-Honda Oils, Dunlop, Troy Lee Designs, Yoshimura, Renthal, DID, Twin Air, Moto Tassinari, Hinson, Throttle Jockey and VP Fuel.

Alongside Team Honda Muscle Milk, American Honda again welcomes Ashley Fiolek into the factory semi. Fiolek won the 2011 Women’s Motocross Championship—her third title—and will again take on all comers in 2012.

In addition to the factory Honda team, several other teams and riders will compete aboard Honda CRF250Rs and CRF450Rs.

– GEICO Honda

Honda has had a long and successful relationship with GEICO Honda: The team has delivered numerous wins and championships, including former team member Trey Canard winning the 2008 Supercross Lites East title and current rider Justin Barcia taking the 2011 Lites East championship. Barcia returns to defend his title in 2012, and is joined in the 250 class by teammates sure to pack the podium in 2012, including Eli Tomac, Wil Hahn, Justin Bogle and Jimmy DeCotis. In the 450 class, GEICO Honda’s Kevin Windham enters his 19th season as a professional in 2012—a remarkable achievement on its own, yet Windham remains at the top of his game, an ever-present threat to win. “We’re happy to continue into 2012 on Hondas,” said Mike LaRocco, GEICO Honda Team Manager. “Having a strong bike to begin with helps us get results. We aim to win even more titles for GEICO and Honda this coming year.”

Chad reed - two two motorsports - team Honda - 2012
Factory Honda has increased their support of Chad Reed and TwoTwo Motorsports in 2012. Photo by Brian Robinette

– TwoTwo Motorsports

After a thrilling 2011 season, Chad Reed and his TwoTwo Motorsports team return for their second year riding a factory-supported CRF450R. “I’m really excited to continue our relationship with Honda into 2012 and beyond,” said Reed. “We entered 2011 as an unknown commodity and as the year progressed Honda really stepped up its support for the TwoTwo Motorsports team. It’s definitely one of the most memorable years of my career.”

– L&Mc Racing Honda

An exciting new addition to the Honda fold is L&Mc Racing Honda—a brand-new team for 2012. The new partnership between Larry Brooks and “The King of Supercross” Jeremy McGrath sees Andrew Short racing a factory-supported Honda CRF450R in both Supercross and Motocross championships. “It’s every race team owner’s dream to have access to the best equipment,” said team co-owner Brooks. “In my opinion Honda has the best motorcycles. They have access to a lot of resources and in-house support, making them the leaders in the industry. It’s only natural that with Jeremy’s connection to Honda, and Shorty’s history racing Hondas that we ride Honda in 2012.”

– Troy Lee Designs Lucas Oil Honda

Troy Lee Designs Lucas Oil Honda will field a three-man team of 250-class riders, including Christian Craig, Cole Seely and Travis Baker on Honda CRF250Rs. Tarah Gieger will also compete once again on a Honda CRF250R in the Woman’s Motocross Championship, where she finished third overall in 2011. “I am very excited for the upcoming season,” said team manager Tyler Keefe. “We continue to improve every year and with American Honda’s ongoing support, I think we have a great chance at winning a championship in 2012.”

“This upcoming Supercross season is going to be really exciting for Honda fans,” said Ray Conway, Honda Racing Coordinator. “There will be a very strong contingent of racers aboard the Honda CRF250R and CRF450R race machines all season long, and every one of them will be in contention for the win. Look for your favorite riders to be climbing the podium all season long.”

Author

Dan Lamb is a 12+ year journalist and the owner of MotoXAddicts.