Veteran Kevin Windham has been confirmed as Honda’s replacement rider for injured regulars Trey Canard and Josh Grant in the opening rounds of the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

Both Canard and Grant are focused on making returns to racing early in the motocross season, however fan-favourite Windham will be racing the first few outdoor Motocross Nationals on the American Honda Racing team.

“The outdoor nationals are something special,” said Windham. “The speed is not something you find in supercross and I’m pumped to be able to race for American Honda.

“The bike is good and I’m ready. We’ll just have to see what happens.”

Windham will make his debut at the season-opener Hangtown National alongside American Honda Racing teammate Ashley Fiolek, who will be contesting the Women’s Motocross Association (WMA) Championship.

Meanwhile, Canard continues to recover from a broken femur suffered just weeks ago after winning three 450 Class supercross races this year.

“Getting hurt so late in the Supercross season was a bitter pill to swallow,” said Canard. “Especially since I was among the top contenders for the Supercross title.

“However, I’m doing what I need to do in order to make a full recovery and return to racing early in the motocross championship.”

Grant too is on target to make his return early in the season, his knee gaining strength as the weeks wind down.

“Since undergoing knee surgery a few months back, I’ve been receiving therapy on my knee on a daily basis,” explained Grant. “I’ve worked intensely with my doctor and healed fast. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming motocross season and excited to rejoin the American Honda Racing team as soon as possible.”

The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship commences at Hangtown on 21 May.