The emphasis for Blue Wing Honda for the 2008 and 2009 seasons is on ‘Team’ – not individuals, not one season, but a focused approach to how to create a lasting foundation to motivate the next generation of clubs and riders to ride red. That’s why there’ll be equal standing for two riders in each Mx1 and Mx2 class and a CR125 entry in the new under-19 seniors class. Phill Haynes the new General Manager at Blue Wing Honda, recent arrival from the UK, has brought together the best of the NZ talent and they now make-up a team that will succeed as a whole unit. Phill was eager to point out; “We needed to focus further ahead than a 2009 title or two, so I wanted to wrap up into the team the best management experience, the best rider focus, the best rider and bike preparation support to make the most of the best CRFs that are about to arrive in New Zealand. Key to it was having the top man, the King, who’s enthusiasm and ideas crown the team with a halo of confidence.”

Further more, in discussions with colleagues Paul Stewart and Clive Cooper-Smith who co-ordinated recent years’ successes, Phill added “This is a team sport, the rider and bike get the glory, but the reward, enjoyment and success comes through a true team focus and customer support – everyone riding Motocross in New Zealand enjoys a Kiwi success, this will be another. They’ll have the best of support available and I’m not referring to money – the best tacit talent in NZ motocross will be red for the next two years!” – topping off the discussion, all the boys at Blue Wing agreed. It’s clear everyone’s behind it.

After several years of some great success with riders like Cody Cooper, Shayne King, Broxy and many more riders who’ve contributed to the pile of trophy’s sitting at Blue Wing Honda office, the new team has been founded from old and new hands to gear up for a new generation of winning races and titles. This is a big shot at creating the new NZ heroes for the second decade of the 21st century.

This step needed big guns and needed to be big on experience and confidence, so newly appointed Mx Team Honda Racing NZ, Manager Shayne King will mentor the team providing them with a wealth of knowledge and experience as both a world champion as well as winning fifty New Zealand national titles! The team won’t be the biggest but it will be the best team and one where everyone has a vested interest in its success and the riders and the bikes individual successes too.

Honda has attracted some top class ‘home-grown’ NZ riders into the programme for a two year contract, with the aim of all riders winning, creating more interest in the sport and taking titles. This is set to really raise the game for professionalism, effort, spirit and focus in motocross for New Zealand, bringing world experience to the riders, including a long time Honda race team rider Peter Broxholme, alongside new additions to the red family:

Luke Burkhart joins Broxy on the new 2009 CRF450R, which is eagerly awaited but still under wraps for 2009.

Luke comments “I am very happy to be joining one of the most professional teams and to be riding the new CRF450 Honda. I have always looked up to the Honda team in the past and watched them achieve an amazing amount of championships – but this year feels really special. There’s so much focus on us all doing well, riding as a team, learning off each other, helping each other, that it’s really boosted my confidence and spirit to make this work for everyone. It is also very exciting to be working with Shayne, as he has an awesome amount of experience to offer and I know with Honda behind him it will be an exciting couple of seasons ahead.”

The leaders of the Mx2 class will be long-term Honda rider Justin McDonald and newly signed rider Michael Phillips who has just returned from racing in England. Justin has had a wealth of experience with Honda and is looking forward to the new team structure.

Michael who holds the number 1 plate for this class comments “I am really looking forward to the new team and the challenge of it all. The set up of the team is so focused on personal long term growth as well as winning from the start, there’s a real buzz to it.

Having Shayne and Phill bringing their knowledge from around the world of how to win, regardless of budget and tools, using teamwork and effort was a great reason to come on board, its an awesome team line-up. I have not ridden the new 09 bike yet, but I’m excited about the next chapter of my career and being with Honda.”

Cam Dillon will head up the 125 class on the CR125 Honda and is looking forward to racing in the senior Nationals in the new under 19yr old class. He has already won championships on Honda and is looking forward to stepping into the Honda team at the senior level. He will also race the juniors nationals next year on the CRF250R.

A buzzing Shayne King comments, “What an amazing team we have coming into the MX season. Phill and Paul Stewart at Blue Wing Honda and myself have been working hard to secure the right riders that can work well as a team, within our own philosophy for getting the job done and enjoying it along the way. We wanted people that are prepared to work, be the best and want to win. Honda has some new and exciting things coming for 2009 and 2010 in the CRF line up, it’s even better than the rumours and I am really looking forward to working with all the people at Blue Wing Honda, the riders and all our associated sponsors – there’s a lot of vested interest and support for us. After my

retirement last November at the Nationals my goal was still to be involved with racing and with Honda having this opportunity is great. Also to be able to give something back, not only to this team and the sport, but each and every Kiwi bike rider. I am looking forward to help grow our sport on the world scene too”  Team Honda Racing’s first event will be round 1 of the New Zealand Motocross nationals on October 25th and 26th. You may also be chance catch them training, practicing and setting up around the country – don’t be shy in wishing them well.