Premier Class Experience Could Pay Dividends for Canard’s Rookie Season

AURORA,
Ill.(November 30, 2010) – Midway through the 2010 Monster Energy AMA
Supercross, and FIM World Championship, season, Factory Honda rookie
Trey Canard received the opportunity of a lifetime when he was asked to
fill in for an injured Andrew Short while on hiatus from the AMA
Supercross Lites Western Regional Championship. The Oklahoma native
made his debut in the premier AMA Supercross class in Indianapolis and
after six races, posted five podium finishes to prove he has the
ability to succeed in the elite division.

As
a result of his stellar substitute performances, Canard’s service at
Factory Honda also served as a tryout for the team heading into the
2011 Monster Energy Supercross season when the 2008 AMA Supercross
Lites East Region Champion was slated to make his move into the premier
class. He further proved his maturity and composure as a rider by
staging an incredible come-from-behind performance to claim his first
national title in AMA Motocross this past summer.

“The
Lites class is an entirely different ball game when it comes to
racing,” said Canard. “But having such strong performances in the
premier class helped give me a little more confidence (outdoors). The
motocross championship has been huge (for me), but ultimately I’m the
same guy. A lot of positives came out of that title.”

When
the offseason began, Canard knew almost immediately where he was
headed, giving him a slight advantage over his many counterparts who
were still solidifying their deals for the 2011 season.

Canard raced a limited 2010 season in the premier AMA Supercross class, filling in for injured Factory Honda rider Andrew Short.

Photo Credit: Hoppenworld.com

“I
was very thankful,” he added. “I know a lot of guys stress about where
they’re going to end up, but American Honda is an amazing team.”

With
a breakthrough season under his belt, Canard arguably has the most
momentum heading into his rookie campaign other than reigning premier
class champion Ryan Dungey. Despite coming up short in his bid for the
2010 AMA Supercross Lites Western Regional Championship, the level in
which he rode in the premier class turned heads and effectively put
Canard in the conversation for title contenders in 2011.

“I
really just want to be prepared,” said Canard. “I want to come in
ready, learn, and do the very best I can do. That’s all I can ask (of
myself).”

While
longtime Factory Honda riders Andrew Short and Davi Millsaps have both
moved on, Canard will welcome 2009 Anaheim 1 race winner Josh Grant as
his teammate. Grant, who rode Hondas throughout the early portion of
his career, has considerable speed and talent and will be a good
motivator for Canard under the Honda tent.

“I
really like Josh,” explained Canard. “I think he’s a great guy with a
huge amount of talent. I think we should (be able) to elevate each
other’s riding this whole year.”

Perhaps
the best thing for Canard heading into 2011 is his continued
relationship with Honda. The red riders have supported the fourth-year
rider throughout his young career, giving him the opportunity that led
to his ride for 2011. Having already established a working relationship
with the Factory Honda crew in addition to bringing his mechanic Brent
Presnell along with him, Canard looks to have all the tools necessary
to make a title run and follow in the footsteps of the current champion
and longtime rival Dungey.

“To
have a team and a company like Honda behind me has been huge,” said
Canard. “The fact that I’m used to the bike and don’t have to go
through a whole learning curve is awesome.”

For more information on the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305.

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