Rumors persist from what we consider to be very reliable anonymous sources that the 2014 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Champion and former FIM World MX2 Champion from Germany will be aboard a factory Honda next season, and some our covert sources say that the deal is long-term, as much as five years. We are also hearing that if and when Roczen jumps ship, it may be with the Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop sponsorship under his arm. The same rumor mill has been spinning out word for months that Canard will be moving on from Honda to a Red Bull KTM factory ride for 2017.
Roczen’s departure will leave an open seat aboard the RCH Soaring Eagle Suzuki, and initial rumblings were that it would be filled by reigning Lucas Oil 250cc Pro Motocross Champion Jeremy Martin, although that may no longer be the case, as Martin has reportedly signed–or is close to signing–a deal with the GEICO Honda team to stay in the 250cc class.
At any rate, we will have more word when it becomes official. In the meantime, here is what came from Team Honda HRC today:
TORRANCE, Calif. (Aug. 17, 2016) – American Honda Motor Corp., Inc. announced today that it has extended its contract with Team Honda HRC rider Cole Seely for an additional two years. Seely has spent much of his professional career with the Honda brand, and this agreement continues that relationship through 2018. Next season, Cole will campaign the brand-new 2017 Honda CRF450R.
“I’m really excited about re-signing with American Honda,” Seely said. “Riding for such a great team has been a dream come true, so it’s an honor to be able to continue that relationship. I have an awesome crew around me and we get along great. With the success we had during my rookie and sophomore years, I feel confident we can pull off many more wins and hopefully get a title. I appreciate everything the team has done to keep me comfortable and am looking forward to more success together.”
During his first two years with the factory team, Seely has demonstrated that he has the speed and ability to win races in the premier class. The Californian was awarded Rookie of the Year honors in 2015 for finishing third overall in the AMA Supercross series, highlighted by his first 450cc victory, at the Houston Supercross. Although injuries have hindered him this year, Seely still finished sixth in the AMA Supercross series, with four podium appearances; he was also enjoying the best AMA Pro Motocross season of his career, with two third-place moto results, before injuring his finger and requiring surgery.
“We’re extremely happy to have Cole committed to our program for an additional two years,” said Brandon Wilson, Motorcycle Sports Supervisor at American Honda. “Cole’s progression on the 450 in both supercross and motocross has shown what a great talent he is. We have high hopes for him over the next couple of seasons.”
Team Honda HRC Manager Dan Betley echoed Wilson’s enthusiasm. “We’ve seen Cole make tremendous progress over the past few years, and the team is excited to continue working with him,” Betley said. “He has tasted success in both supercross and motocross, and we’re confident that with our ongoing support, Cole has the potential to be in the championship hunt over the next two years.”
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