Penrite Honda Racing has signed Ford Dale for the 2015 Australian motocross and supercross season, the deal confirmed at Moto Expo over the weekend in Melbourne following an injury-struck season this year.

Dale will ride the MX1 category of the MX Nationals next season on board a factory-backed CRF450R, after missing much of 2013 and 2014 through an assortment of frustrating injuries.

The 2012 MX2 outdoor champion will return to Penrite Honda following a single season alongside Kirk Gibbs at KTM, replaced by Luke Styke in the new year.

“It’s awesome to get back on Honda,” Dale told MotoOnline.com.au. “I know the bike and the team well, so it’s good to get back to something that I know. The last couple of years have been hard with injuries, so I’m really thankful to get this opportunity again.

“Hopefully I can go out there and be consistent next year. When I’m healthy I know I will always be up front, but for next year the goal is to have fun, be consistent and whether I come first or fifth, I want to walk away with a smile on my face.

“Bringing the fun back into it and not putting so much pressure on myself to win, I think will be the right approach for me. It’s definitely a good feeling to have this ride and work toward 2015.”

Penrite Honda is yet to confirm its remaining line-up, with Cody Cooper and Kale Makeham linked to the second MX1 seat as the team focuses on the 450 class outdoors for 2015.