OREANDA-NEWS. For 2015, Team Honda has a solid rider lineup that's marked by both steady experience and fresh blood. Trey Canard, a veteran of the 450 class, is joined by Cole Seely, who is in his first full season in the premier division. Both are longtime members of the Honda family, having spent the bulk of their 250 class careers aboard CRF250R machinery. More importantly, both had strong 2014 seasons, with Seely having come close to winning the 250SX West crown, whereas Canard was among the frontrunners in the AMA Pro Motocross 450 division. Under the dependable guidance of Team Manager Dan Betley, Team Honda is ready for great things in 2015.

HRC Staff
Yasuhiro Yokoyama – Technical Director: Team HRC Motocross
Keisuke Inomoto – Representative Director: Team HRC Motocross
Masamitsu Hirashima – Chief Engineer: Team HRC Motocross
Satoshi Matsushima – HGA Chassis Engineer: Team HRC Motocross

American Honda Racing Management
Mike Snyder – Marketing Senior Manager
Sam Mishima – Motorcycle Sports Manager
Ray Conway – Motorcycle Sports Supervisor

American Honda Motocross Team
Dan Betley – Team Manager
Jay Haines – Crew Chief
Bob Reichman – Chief Engine Builder
Jeremy Hoyer – Engine Builder
Satoshi Momma – Engine R&D staff
Brent Presnell – Race Mechanic, Trey Canard
Rich Simmons – Race Mechanic, Cole Seely
Jason Thomas – Test/Support Mechanic
Mike Sidner – Parts Coordinator

Media Coordinator
Mandie Fonteyn – Dispatch Communications

Team History

"Team Honda": In motorcycle-racing circles, the mere utterance of those words inspires awe and reverence that can only be earned through decades of racing success on legendary circuits the world over. In American motocross, Team Honda's tale began in 1973, when Gary Jones rode the manufacturer's first production motocrosser—the CR250M Elsinore—to the national title. The list of Honda-mounted supercross and motocross champions grew steadily, including heroes like David Bailey, Jean-Michel Bayle, Ricky Carmichael, Donnie Hansen, Doug Henry, Rick Johnson, Jeremy McGrath, Johnny O'Mara, Marty Smith, Jeff Stanton, Chuck Sun and others. Meanwhile, the Team Honda legend was expanded through laurels earned in other genres, at both the national and international level. Now entering its 42nd year of racing in the U.S., Honda hopes to continue its long history of success with the talented lineup of Trey Canard and Cole Seely.

Honda AMA Supercross Champions: Premier Class
2003: Ricky Carmichael
2002: Ricky Carmichael
1996: Jeremy McGrath
1995: Jeremy McGrath
1994: Jeremy McGrath
1993: Jeremy McGrath
1992: Jeff Stanton
1991: Jean-Michel Bayle
1990: Jeff Stanton
1989: Jeff Stanton
1988: Rick Johnson
1986: Rick Johnson
1984: Johnny O'Mara
1983: David Bailey
1982: Donnie Hansen

Honda AMA Motocross Champions: Premier Class
2004: Ricky Carmichael
2003: Ricky Carmichael
2002: Ricky Carmichael
1995: Jeremy McGrath
1992: Jeff Stanton
1991: Jean-Michel Bayle
1990: Jeff Stanton
1989: Jeff Stanton
1987: Rick Johnson
1986: Rick Johnson
1983: David Bailey
1982: Donnie Hansen
1973: Gary Jones

AMA Supercross

Supercross is a specialized discipline of off-road motorcycle racing that consists of man-made racecourses built on the floors of baseball and football stadiums within major cities across the country. These tracks are extremely technical, incorporating steep jumps, whoops and other obstacles that require the riders to be in peak mental and physical condition. The AMA Supercross championship consists of 17 rounds, starting in January and ending in early May.

NOTES

  • Supercross features two classes and displacement ranges. The premier 450SX class allows four-stroke engines no larger than 450cc. In the 250SX class, riders may run a four-stroke engine no larger than 250cc.
  • The 450SX class contests the entire 17-round series, while the 250SX class is separated into two regional divisions, West and East. Each region consists of eights rounds, with both concluding in Las Vegas, for the Davey Coombs Sr. East-West shootout.
  • In each class, the 40 fastest riders from daytime timed qualifying advance to the evening program.
  • Each class has two six-lap heat races to start the evening. In the 450SX class, the top four riders of each heat race advance directly into the main event, while the remaining riders move onto the semi-qualifying round. In the 250SX class, the top nine heat-race finishers advance to the main event, while the other racers are relegated to the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ).
  • The 450SX class’ semi-qualifying round consists of two five-lap races of 16 riders each, with the top five claiming a spot in the main event.
  • The LCQ races for both the 450SX and 250SX classes feature 22 riders racing for four laps; there are only four transfer spots available
  • The main event is 20 laps for the 450SX class and 15 laps in the 250SX class, with 25 championship points awarded for the race win.
  • Beginning in 2012, the rider in each class who is currently leading the championship points chase will don the red number plate.

2015 AMA Supercross Schedule

January 3 Angel Stadium Anaheim, CA
January 10 Chase Field Phoenix, AZ
January 17 Angel Stadium Anaheim, CA
January 24 O.Co Coliseum Oakland, CA
January 31 Angel Stadium Anaheim, CA
February 7 Petco Park San Diego, CA
February 14 AT&T Stadium Arlington, TX
February 21 Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA
February 28 Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA
March 7 Daytona International Speedway Daytona Beach, FL
March 14 Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, IN
March 21 Ford Field Detroit, MI
March 28 Edward Jones Dome St. Louis, MO
April 11 NRG Stadium Houston, TX
April 18 Levi's Stadium Santa Clara, CA
April 25 MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, NJ
May 2 Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas, NV

AMA Pro Motocross

In motocross—the original format for off-road motorcycling competition—races are held on outdoor tracks of approximately one mile or more in length that utilize the natural topography along with built-up jumps and other added obstacles. The 12-round championship series runs from May to the end of August, visiting some of the most iconic tracks across the United States. Running through the summer months, the motocross series is widely considered to be one of the most grueling sports in the world, testing each rider's physical and mental toughness.

NOTES

  • Like AMA Supercross, the AMA Motocross series consists of two classes: 450 (the premier class) and 250.
  • Unlike AMA Supercross, there are no regional divisions in AMA Motocross, and both classes run the entire 12-round series.
  • On race day each, class gets two practice sessions. The first session includes free practice and timed qualifying, while the second session is timed qualifying only.
  • The fastest 36 riders in timed qualifying advance directly into the motos, and their times are used to determine the order in which they choose their starting position. Starting position for a rider's second moto is based on the rider's finish in the first moto.
  • A consolation race is held to determine the last four open spots, bringing the total number of riders to 40.
  • Each class races two races (called "motos"), each of which runs for 30 minutes, plus an additional two laps. At 30 minutes a two-lap board is displayed to the race leader, followed by the white flag and then the checkered flag.
  • For each class, the overall positions for the event are determined by combining the total championship points earned by a rider in both motos. In the event of a tie for any position, the rider with the higher finish in the second moto will be placed above the rider with the lower finish in that moto.

2015 AMA Motocross Schedule

May 16 Hangtown Motocross Classic Sacramento, CA
May 23 Glen Helen National San Bernardino, CA
May 30 Thunder Valley National Lakewood, CO
June 6 Tennessee National Blountville, TN
June 13 High Point National Mt. Morris, PA
June 27 Budds Creek National Mechanicsville, MD
July 4 RedBud National Buchanan, MI
July 18 Spring Creek National Millville, MN
July 25 Washougal National Washougal, WA
August 8 Unadilla National New Berlin, NY
August 15 Utah National Tooele, UT
August 22 Indiana National Crawfordsville, IN

Cole Seely

Cole Seely's road to a successful racing career and a ride with the factory Honda team was a little unconventional compared to most of his competition. Seely was never an amateur standout and even quit racing for a brief period at age 16, but his passion for racing brought him back. His pure talent and his background as an amateur BMX racer prepared him well for when he turned pro in 2009 and signed with the Troy Lee Designs Honda team for the following season.

In 2011, Seely tallied a pair of supercross victories, both in the 250 West class. He added another win to his belt the following year and also put in four supercross appearances as a substitute rider aboard the injured Trey Canard's CRF450R. Seely had another successful 250SX campaign in 2013, riding to third place in the series points standings.

The 2014 season is when the Californian came into his own, notching a pair of 250SX West wins and challenging for the class title up until the final round, before eventually settling for second. In addition, while subbing for the factory Honda team at three supercross rounds, Seely scored a podium finish in the premier 450 class, finishing second at Indianapolis. For 2015, he is teamed with Trey Canard on Honda's factory team.

Date of Birth: March 10, 1990 (24 years old)
Birthplace: West Lake Village, CA
Residence: Laguna Beach, CA
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 155 lbs.
Racing Number: 14
Motorcycle: Honda CRF450R

Trey Canard

Following a successful amateur career that culminated in him winning the 2007 AMA Horizon Award, Canard signed with the Factory Connection Honda team, earning the 2008 250SX Eastern Region crown in his rookie season aboard the CRF250R. Two years later, Canard added the AMA Pro Motocross 250 title to his r?sum? and also received the prestigious AMA Supercross Rising Star Award. He capped off his successful 2010 season by helping Team USA claim its sixth-straight Motocross des Nations victory at Thunder Valley MX in Denver, Colorado. For 2011, Canard moved up to a CRF450R with the factory Honda squad, where he has been ever since.

With injuries plaguing his 450 career, Canard has had to repeatedly battle back from setbacks, but he has never lost faith in his ability to race a motorcycle. In 2013, the Oklahoma native was able to get a full season under his belt, finishing an impressive sixth in supercross and fourth in motocross. Canard was among the frontrunners on the 2014 AMA Pro Motocross circuit, logging six podium appearances, including his career-first premier-class overall victory, at the Miller Motorsports Park finale. He also put in a strong performance at the Monster Energy Cup.

As he enters his fifth season with the factory Honda team, Trey is stronger than ever.

Date of Birth: September 17, 1990 (24 years old)
Birthplace: Elk City, OK
Residence: Edmond, OK
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 148 lbs.
Racing Number: 41
Motorcycle: Honda CRF450R

Team Honda Sponsors

Team Honda’s sponsor partners are an integral part of its racing program, providing support, products and services that allow riders Trey Canard and Cole Seely to race to their potential. Many of Team Honda’s sponsors have been supporting the team’s racing initiatives for decades.

Troy Lee Designs
Beginning in 2012, Troy Lee Designs partnered with American Honda in a multi-year agreement to produce the official Team Honda apparel. The line, which is worn by staff and riders, includes T-shirts, hats, hoodies and pit shirts.

Honda Racing Corporation
Honda Racing Corporation is a division of the Honda Motor Company formed in 1982. The company combines participation in motorcycle races throughout the world with the development of high potential racing machines. Its racing activities are an important source for the creation of leading edge technologies used in the development of Honda motorcycles. 

Honda Performance Development
Honda Performance Development Inc. (HPD) is Honda’s racing company within North America, founded in 1993 and owned by American Honda Motor Company. HPD specializes in the design and development of race engines, chassis and performance parts and technical/race support.

Pro Honda Oils and Chemicals
For nearly 30 years, Pro Honda Oils and Chemicals has supported Honda’s motocross team, supplying a full line of lubricants, fluids and cleaners.

Dunlop
By providing Team Honda with cutting-edge tire technology for over two decades, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires has played a vital role in the motocross team’s long list of national titles.

Renthal
Entering its 29th year of sponsorship with Team Honda, Renthal is among the top manufactures of handlebars and sprockets, having amassed more than 100 world and national championships.

D.I.D
D.I.D provides Team Honda with reliable and durable spokes, rims and drive chains to get the CRF450R race bikes through the long race season.

VP Racing Fuels
The 2015 season marks the 14th year that VP Racing Fuels has been a sponsor of the factory Team Honda program. VP has 34 years of experience successfully blending championship-winning fuels.

Twin Air
The originator of oiled-foam filters and filter accessories, Twin Air has more than 40 years experience providing the greatest names in motocross with performance and protection. Twin Air is in its 16th year as a supporter of the Honda racing team.

Yoshimura
Through innovative, “hands-on” engine-building techniques, relentless work ethic and racing success, Yoshimura has become the largest aftermarket motorcycle exhaust manufacturer in the world. The company is a sponsor and supplier of cutting-edge four-stroke exhaust systems to Team Honda.

Hinson Racing
In 1996, just four years after its founding, Hinson Clutch Components became the clutch basket of choice for the American Honda race team. With unparalleled performance and reliability, Hinson has continued its relationship with Honda, providing clutch components that include the Billetproof clutch basket and Billetproof clutch cover.

Throttle Jockey
Throttle Jockey is an official Honda licensee, offering custom graphics for Honda models. The company also manufacturers custom graphics and seat covers for race teams and dealerships all over the United States and overseas. Throttle Jockey has been providing Team Honda with graphics kits since 1998.