Honda Frame Brace

I could be mistaken but didn't Chase run the braced frame during outdoors last year? I know he used it indoors this year but I just find it odd that he found so much success on it and then ditched it for the outdoors. I vaguely remember him saying how it made the bike "not feel like a honda" and that Kenny's dad complained about the team giving Chase preferential treatment last summer by giving him access to parts that Kenny couldn't have (BFR shock and frame brace).