Penrite Honda Racing guest rider Daniel Banks is primed for his first appearance on board the factory CRF450R of Cody Cooper at Raymond Terrace’s eighth MX Nationals round this Sunday.

Banks is the first of three privateers slated to contest a round with the Yarrive Konsky-owned Honda outfit, quickly adapting to Cooper’s MX1 entry after a number of the rounds sidelined through injury.

“I have been in Melbourne all week riding and testing,” Banks explained. “The team is fantastic and extremely helpful. I would like repay the team with decent results. I really can’t believe how easy the Honda 450 is to ride. I would like to thank Honda and Penrite for this amazing opportunity.”

For MX2 regular Josh Cachia, training on a CRF450R has advanced his recovery from a series of serious wrist injuries that have hampered his season.

“It’s tough; everyone including myself expects me to win,” Cachia said. “Being of the bike for over 12 months set me back further than I imagined it would. I have been riding a 450 this past month and its helped with my strength and conditioning on the bike. Everyday feels better than the last so hopefully I can improve on my placings from the last round.”

It’s been a tough season for the Penrite Honda team but they haven’t given up hope according to team manager Mike Landman.

“We won races last year, finished runner-up in supercross and this year has been extremely trying on everyone,” Landman said. “We know how strong our bikes are and we need to remain patient whilst Josh continues to recover. We are hoping for a decent finish in motocross and will set our sights on supercross.”