Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Honda team rider Cole Seely will deputise for American Honda’s Josh Grant in selected east coast rounds of the 2011 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, series.

Seely currently sits fifth in the West Coast Lites standings after winning to Los Angeles round, confirming the deal with American Honda after testing Grant’s factory CRF450R last week.

“Erik Kehoe called me to ask what I was doing during the break,” Seely said. “I thought he was just calling to chat, so I told him I was going be doing some outdoor testing and drifting my car a little if I had some spare time.

“When he asked me if I wanted to ride Josh’s bike, my heart almost jumped out of my chest. This is the opportunity you always dream of as a little kid. I called Tyler and Troy and they were pumped for me too. This is awesome.

“I rode the bike with Trey [Canard] last week and I rode well. I’m looking forward to Indy.”

Seely will partner regular Honda rookie Trey Canard, who was a standout performer last season in selected races while competing as a guest for Honda.

Once the series returns to the west in Seattle on 16 April, Seely will return to the TLD squad.