The Factory Honda Team has today announced that Australian motocross star Nathan Crawford will join the team ahead of Round 6 of the 2026 Penrite Oil ProMX Championship presented by AMX Superstores at Traralgon, VIC.

One of Australia’s most respected and experienced riders, Crawford finished second in the Kawasaki MX1 Championship last season and has been a regular podium contender throughout his career. After making several significant changes in recent months, he believes the opportunity with Factory Honda comes at the right time.

“Everything over the past few seasons has led me to this opportunity,” said Crawford.
“I’ve made some big changes, backed myself and taken some risks to get here. I take accountability for my decisions and I believe I’m now in the right environment to achieve the best results I have in me.”

Crawford has experienced both the highs and lows of professional racing. He has won championship races, stood on overall podiums and competed against some of the best riders in the world, yet he still believes there is more to achieve.

“I haven’t reached my ceiling yet. I need to be around people who believe I can improve and challenge me to be better, and I believe I have that with Yarrive and the Factory Honda Team.

“Yarrive has been very direct. He has already spent time testing with me and has been open and honest about areas where I can improve, both with my riding and with the motorcycle. He genuinely cares about developing riders and helping them reach their potential.

“He also has a strong relationship with my trainer, Ford Dale. They won a championship together and have a very open and honest relationship.”

Crawford said one conversation in particular resonated with him.

“He said, ‘You’ve tried doing it your way for a long time and you haven’t won. Not a lot has changed, so if you want different results, something has to change. We’re here to help because we believe you haven’t reached your ceiling.’

“It’s hard to argue with that. Rather than telling me I’m not fast enough, they’re showing me where I can improve and how the bike and my riding can be different to unlock more speed.
“I know this much, we’re going to find out whether I have more to give or not, and how can you not be motivated by that?”

Factory Honda Team Director Yarrive Konsky says the opportunity is built on mutual respect and a shared desire to improve.

“I have no reason to sugar-coat anything. Nathan has been doing this a long time and he’s been a talented rival that I’ve respected for many years,” said Konsky.

“We’ve had our moments over the years, but there’s always been respect because he works hard, really hard.

“My belief is not that he needs to work harder, but that he needs to work differently and focus on the areas that can genuinely make him better.

“We’ll be patient because changing habits doesn’t happen overnight. If he listens, commits and shows improvement, I’ll be encouraged to continue investing in him.

“If at some point we feel we can’t help him, we’ll have that conversation too. Life is about growth, acceptance and accountability. Nathan wants to be better and that’s incredibly encouraging.”

The Factory Honda Team would also like to thank the Motocoach Elite Racing, a new team aligned with Honda’s RIDE RED program, for their commitment to both Nathan and the Honda brand.

“Leigh and the team are working hard and moving quickly to establish themselves,” said Konsky.

“When we approached them about taking on Nathan, they made it work. Together they achieved two podium finishes from the three rounds they competed in, which is outstanding for a privateer program.

“We’re extremely encouraged by the results our RIDE RED program continues to deliver. Last year Jett Alsop finished second in MX3 and this season we’ve already celebrated two MX1 podiums.”

Crawford will make his Factory Honda debut at Round 6 of the ProMX Championship at Traralgon next weekend and is expected to remain with the team through the end of the season.

Looking ahead to 2027, Konsky admitted the team’s focus will become more consolidated and deliberate.

“Our focus will be on MX1, MX2 and Women’s Motocross, unless someone truly special comes along in MX3.

“Our long-term structure will likely consist of two 450 riders, two 250 riders and Charli Cannon in the Women’s class. Kyle Webster remains contracted long-term with Factory Honda and we’ll determine who earns the remaining opportunities.”

Konsky also confirmed that both rider and motorcycle development will become an even greater priority moving forward.

“We have a new CRF450 platform coming and we’ll need to place a significant emphasis on developing it. That takes time, resources and the right people.

“Our CRF250 is already a class-leading motorcycle and we’ve invested six figures into its development to stay ahead after our championship-winning season. The reality is we’ll invest even more moving forward.

“Great motorcycles don’t happen by accident, they come from great people, hard work and a commitment to constant improvement.

“If we feel the program is ready and sustainable, we can always expand in the future. Right now, our focus is on building the strongest foundation possible.”