2011 Super X Pro Lites runner-up Gavin Faith has returned to Australia for the ASX series. After the departure of Brad Anderson to the UK, Carlton Dry Honda team owner Yarrive Konsky signed the talented young American to compete in Supercross program. Faith made a solid Australian debut in the Pro Lites class last year, finishing the series in second place. With current Lites champion Matt Moss moving up to the Pro Open class, Faith will be looking to go one better in 2012.
Faith said that “I am really excited to be back. I had a lot of fun here last year and I am looking forward to a good series. I want to ride a lot smarter this year and I definitely want to try and win the championship. First of all I want to get out there and do well in some races.” Such comments relate to Faith’s round one performance last year, where he crashed numerous times to eventually finish a series low 11th. Faith recovered well and showed he has what it takes to run at the front. In the subsequent rounds, Faith went 4-2-4-2 to finish second behind Moss.
This year Faith has completed the US supercross and outdoor season in various classes and teams. He picked up a ride with the GEIKO Honda team to race four rounds of the AMA Supercross West Coast (Lites), after regular team rider Will Hahn injured himself. He then switched to the JGRMX Toyota Yamaha team for the final three rounds. He finished the series with a highly credible sixth place (San Diego) as his best result. Although slightly disappointed with his results, Faith used the time to gain valuable experience. “I kinda expected to do better, but I learnt quite a bit.”
With nothing on offer for the outdoor nationals, Faith took the privateer path, riding a 450 Honda in the Open class. Considering the depth of talent in the field, Faith handled himself well, with numerous top twenty results.
Most recently, Faith has spent his time honing his supercross technique and fitness at the Milsaps Training Facility. Despite only arriving in Australia a couple of days ago, you can expect the additional racing experience and training will have resulted in substantial improvement. Expect Faith to be a real title contender in the Pro Lites class.
Yarrive first met Gavin whilst visiting and training at the MTF in America in 2011. He witnessed his work ethic and speed first hand and was eager to bring him back after his successful debut in Australia last year. “Gavin has tremendous speed and his work ethic and dedication is parallel to our other team riders. He fits well in the Honda Team and is well liked for his personality and appreciation for what we do. I am glad he is racing for Carlton Dry Honda instead of against us”.
