The four rider BCP Pro Circuit Honda Junior Development Team performed very well under pressure at last week’s Australian Junior Motocross Championships held in Horsham, Victoria. Star rider Rhys Budd was in fine form all week in the premiere 15 years 250cc class, not finishing out of the top two in his six events on board his BCP CRF250R.

Budd scored himself a second, a first and another second in his three qualifying heats that lead into the three finals. After two finals there was only one point separating Budd from his good friend and arch rival Bailey Malkiewicz. The scene was set for a showdown as the final race of the final day got underway. Rhys Budd came from outside of the top 15 in turn one to be in second place by lap two, and within a lap he was challenging Malkiewicz for the lead. The pair checked out and waged war for the duration of the race. When the chequered flag was waved Rhys Budd was in a well earned second place, giving him second place in the championship by three points.

“I’m really happy to have fought so hard for this title and brought it down to the last lap of the last race,” said Rhys Budd. “I would have loved to get the win, but I’m happy with a close second and the battle that Bailey and I had throughout the three finals was what racing is all about. The crowd was so into it! I holeshot 5 out of my 6 races, the bike was fantastic and the team ran like clockwork.”

Tanesha Harnett continued her impressive season on the CRF250R by finishing a solid second place overall in the Girls 125/250 class.

“I had such a fun week and really enjoyed battling with the girls,” said Harnett.

“My favourite race was Final number 3 where Tahlia and I swapped the lead a handful of times, but a silly stall on my behalf put paid to that battle. Next year will be my last year in juniors and we get electric start on the new CRF250R which I’m really excited about, so hopefully we can lock away that National title before I turn senior.”

Both Royce Anell and Travis Edwards had a good showing throughout the week-long event, with Anell finishing strong in 8th overall in the competitive 15 years 250cc title after the three finals. Travis Edwards had some impressive starts and good finishes in the qualifying heats however his finals campaign was dampened by a huge first turn pileup in Final 1 that resulted in a mechanical DNF.

“I’m so proud of my whole team and how they conducted themselves this week,” said team manager Lee Hogan.

“For Rhys to turn his season around when the biggest event of the year arrived was inspirational. Tanesha is such a warrior and just never gives in which is a terrific quality to have. Royce Anell saved his best riding all year for the three finals this week, and unfortunately for Travis his first turn pileup put paid to a possible top 5 against the countries best.”

The BCP Pro Circuit Honda Team will announce an exciting new signing for the 2018 race season in the coming week!