As expected, Honda HRC will retain Cole Seely, signing the California native to a two-year contract extension today. The new deal will keep Seely with Honda through the 2018 season. He’s expected to be joined by current 450 points leader Ken Roczen next season. That deal has not been officially announced.
“I’m really excited about re-signing with American Honda,” Seely said in a statement. “Riding for such a great team has been a dream come true, so it’s an honor to be able to continue that relationship. I have an awesome crew around me and we get along great. With the success we had during my rookie and sophomore years, I feel confident we can pull off many more wins and hopefully get a title. I appreciate everything the team has done to keep me comfortable and am looking forward to more success together.”
Seely, who turned pro in 2009, has spent seven of his eight pro seasons with the brand after signing with then Troy Lee Designs Honda in 2010. In 2015, Seely moved to the 450 Class under the HRC tent and won AMA Supercross Rookie of the Year honors after finishing third in Monster Energy Supercross.
“We’re extremely happy to have Cole committed to our program for an additional two years,” said Brandon Wilson, Motorcycle Sports Supervisor at American Honda. “Cole’s progression on the 450 in both supercross and motocross has shown what a great talent he is. We have high hopes for him over the next couple of seasons.”
Team manager Dan Betley added: “We’ve seen Cole make tremendous progress over the past few years, and the team is excited to continue working with him,” Betley said. “He has tasted success in both supercross and motocross, and we’re confident that with our ongoing support, Cole has the potential to be in the championship hunt over the next two years.”
Seely, who has been out since the RedBud National, is expected to miss the remainder of the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship as he recovers from a finger injury.
