Byrne Racing a Honda in Australia
October 21, 2009 9:59am
Byrne will enter the Pro Open battle for the 2009 Monster Energy Super X Championship at Round Two of the series in Geelong, Victoria – going head-to-head with the likes of Chad Reed, Dan Reardon and Jay Marmont, who have already turned on an epic battle in Tasmania at round one last Saturday. Although the rest of the field has already got one round under their belt, Byrne's experience and composure will see him join the series with high-hopes of being major championship contender.
Byrne’s return will mark not only his first taste of competition on home-soil since the Gosford Supercross Masters in 2004, but also a return to Honda weaponry; an opportunity ‘Byrner’ is looking forward to.
“It’s been a long time since I raced in Australia - especially on a Honda - so I’m definitely looking forward heading back and riding in front of the Aussie fans.”
Michael made the transition to the USA in 2001, riding a limited schedule for the Emig Racing/Edgesports team - after winning the 1999 Supercross Masters series. The following year, Byrne made the move to full-time AMA competition aboard an Amsoil Honda and finished fifth in the 2003 AMA 125cc outdoor series.
In 2005 and 2006, Byrne moved to the Factory Kawasaki outfit where he achieved top-five results in both the SX and MX championships, before settling into the Rockstar Makita Suzuki Team in 2007 alongside fellow countryman, Chad Reed.
Byrne will head back to Australia mid-week to prepare and train on his new Honda, before taking his spot on the gates in Geelong on October 24.