Honda HRC’s Cole Seely is the latest American factory rider to compete in the All Japan MX National Championship, a once time honored tradition that has been restored in recent years.

The final round of the 2016 championship took place at Sportsland Sugo in Miyagi, Japan, last weekend. Seely, competing in the IA1 (450) Class, dominated the final round, setting the fastest practice time, winning his qualifying race, and going 1-1 in the two moto format.

“I’m stoked with how this week in Japan has gone,” Seely said. “I can’t thank everyone at Honda enough for the opportunity to come here and do what I love. The race went great too. I was able to go 1-1 and bring home the win for my team. This is my second race back from injury, so it was good to get more gate time before Anaheim. It was also awesome to get a chance to see a bunch of different Honda facilities and meet so many people that help make my dream possible.”

His 1-1 performance concluded a busy week for the California native, as he visited the Honda Racing Corporation, Honda Motorcycle R&D in Asaka, the Honda Proving Ground in Tochigi, and the Honda Collection Hall at Motegi Circuit during his trip.

It was a successful weekend for the HRC team, as Akira Narita clinched a record 11th IA1 championship, and Tomohiro Nitsuka wrapped up the IA2 (250cc) championship.

Overall Results

Cole Seely (1-1)

Yuu Hitata (3-2)

Youhei Kojima (2-3)

Kouichi Fukaya (5-4)

Yoshitaka Atsuta (6-5)