Honda Racing SX Team Preview

For the 2011 Supercross season Honda Racing has recruited the skills Josh Grant and Trey Canard. Following Canard’s success in the 2010 Motocross Lites Championship and his added participation in the ’10 MX of Nations, the 20-year-old from Oklahoma has been given the opportunity to race in the premier class where he will go bar-to-bar with some of the top names in the sport. Canard turned pro in 2007 and has only three seasons of experience to fall back on. However, he’s managed to channel his limited experience into a consistency which is rare among those his age. In 2010 Canard racked up two wins and three podium finishes in the West Coast Lites region while riding for the Geico Powersports Honda team. His performance outdoors was even more impressive as he tallied five overall victories to take the 2010 250 Motocross Championship.

“To have a team and a company like Honda behind me has been huge,” said Canard. “The fact that I’m used to the bike and don’t have to go through a whole learning curve is awesome.”
 
Meanwhile Grant will share in Honda’s effort to steal the crown from reigning SX/MX Champ, Ryan Dungey. In ‘10 Grant experienced tremendous upset when just weeks before the start of the Supercross season at Anaheim he crashed and broke his shoulder. The 24-year-old spent most of the season on the bench recuperating, but returned healthy and determined in the outdoor circuit. Grant had a decent run in the 450 Motocross series before bad luck struck again in the form of another shoulder injury. Now fully recovered and in good health, Grant will place added emphasis in 2011 on staying consistent and keeping the rubber side down. As the more experienced rider, Grant will also help Canard with the transition to the 450 class.
 
“My main goals this year are to put in good finishes, stay healthy and be consistent the whole series,” said Grant. “Once I get to that point, I know I can do well. I feel with the backing of my new team it will be a fun year.”
 
It is sure to be a season of memorable performances as a growing field of talent funnels into Angel Stadium for Round 1 of the series.
 
“I think it's going be tough with all the new guys out there, but it will make for some exciting races for sure.” added Grant. “I just need to be on top of my game every weekend.”