Hondas Extensive Lineup For 2004

After successfully defending the 250 Supercross crown and once again dominating the AMA 250 Motocross Championship series, the Honda Red Riders are ending another prosperous year by gearing up for the season ahead. There's no rest for the weary and the 2004 Red Riders are proof as they are currently preparing to add more championships to what is already the most successful resume in professional Supercross and motocross competition.Familiar as well as fresh faces highlight the 2004 Red Rider lineup and both share the determination to uphold Honda's winning tradition."We really couldn't ask for a more successful year than we had in 2003,and we hope to keep that momentum going in 2004," said American Honda's Motorcycle Sports Manager Chuck Miller. "With riders like Ricky Carmichael, Ernesto Fonseca, Nathan Ramsey, Kevin Windham, Mike LaRocco, Buddy Antunez and Ryan Mills on Honda's CR250R, CRF450R, CR125R and new CRF250R, we hope to remain the dominant team on the Supercross and motocross circuit. In addition to the Factory Honda Team, our support teams will contribute to a strong Red Rider line up as well."The Factory Honda team will consist of defending 250 Supercross and motocross champion Ricky Carmichael and Ernesto Fonseca, who will kick off the year aboard factory CR250Rs. Representing the Factory Honda four-stroke contingent will once again be Nathan Ramsey, however in 2004 Ramsey will switch to 125 Western Regional Supercross competition aboard the new CRF250R. When the Supercross series heads east, Ramsey will compete in 250 class aboard the CRF450R. Factory Connection/Honda boasts its strongest lineup ever for 2004. Headlining the Honda support team effort are 250 Supercross riders Mike LaRocco and Kevin Windham. Windham will continue to compete on the CRF450R throughout the year, while LaRocco's storybook career will proceed aboard the CR250R in the Supercross series only. The veteran rider will contest select motocross rounds next summer. Representing Factory Connection/Honda in 125 Supercross and motocross competition will be Travis Preston, Chris Gosselaar, Ryan Mills and new addition to the team, Billy Laninovich. Preston and Gosselaar will ride the CRF250R in Western Regional Supercross action. Meanwhile, Laninovich and Mills will compete in the Eastern Region with Mills being the team's sole CR125R rider. Also expect to see Preston at the Eastern Region events competing in the 250 class aboard a CRF450R.Returning as a member of the Red Rider racing family for a third consecutive year is Team MotoXXX. Exclusively racing the CRF four-stroke line, MotoXXX will pit Kyle Lewis in the 250 class for both Supercross and motocross, while Larry Ward will switch to 125 East Regional Supercross and 125 motocross action. Ward will be joined in both classes by new teammate Tim Weigand. Competing in the 250 Supercross class only will be Damon Huffman.In addition to Factory Connection/Honda and Team MotoXXX, American Honda is proud to support the efforts of four additional teams that all have a rich Red Rider background:Motosports Outlet/MSR/White Brothers Honda: Jean-Sebastien Roy, CRF450R SX; Craig Anderson, CRF450R SX and MX; Tiger Lacey, CRF250R SX (east) and MX; Justin Buckelew, CRF250R SX (west) and MX; Sean Collier, CRF250R SX (west) and MX Subway/Service Honda: Jason Thomas, CRF450R SX and MX; Joe Oehlhof, CRF450R SX and MX; Clark Stiles, CRF450R SX and MXLamson Racing: Steve Lamson, CRF250R SX (east) and MXTamer Motorsports (Arenacross) Buddy Antunez, CR250R, CRF250R; Brad Hagseth, CR250R, CRF250R; Justin Brayton, CR250R, CRF250R