Set against the backdrop of Honda’s Heritage Collection Hall, HRC Racing presented its 2024 teams to the sponsors and members of the media… and Dealernews snuck in too! The factory squad is coming off a record-setting 2023 season that saw Honda win virtually everything on dirt, including a record six professional AMA championships. Jett Lawrence — who accounted for three of the 2023 titles —the 250SX West title, the AMA Pro Motocross 450 championship and the inaugural SuperMotocross title, was joined by brother Hunter, newly signed Jo Shimoda and returning 250 rider Chance Hymas who bounces back form injury.
A host of Honda-supported teams joined the HRC squad, including SmarTop/Bullfrog Spas/MotoConcepts Honda, SLR Honda, JCR Honda, Turner Racing Honda, Honda Off-Road Factory Racing and Raceco-USA Honda. Also present was Phoenix Racing Honda, celebrating the recent signing of two-time AMA Pro Motocross Champion Dylan Ferrandis, to campaign the premier class in AMA Supercross.
“While it’s gratifying that we were able to get Team Honda HRC back on top where it belongs in 2023, this team’s proud legacy wasn’t built on a one-and-done philosophy; in fact, the recent success just makes us even more determined to keep it going in 2024,” is how Honda’s manager of racing & experiential marketing Brandon Wilson prefaced the presentation. “Fortunately, I think we have all the pieces needed to accomplish that: an incredibly talented rider roster, a capable crew, competitive machinery and valuable sponsors. And while of course the factory squad is the focus, I’m also very proud of the lineup of support teams we’re fielding in various disciplines. I can’t wait for the new season to get started.”
The 17-round 2024 AMA Supercross season commences on January 6 in Anaheim, California, followed by the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross series and the three-round SuperMotocross Championship.