Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing have confirmed that early season temporary team member Michael Phillips will now stay on to contest the entire MX Nationals circuit with the team.

Originally stepping in after Todd Waters suffered a broken wrist, Phillips has impressed in the Pro Open class aboard the CRF450R.

After finishing third in the last round at Murray Bridge, the team have decided to keep him on to see out the series even when Waters returns from injury.

“This year has been something of a whirlwind,” Phillips continued. “I was recruited at the 11th hour to fill in for Todd, so I really have just been racing a round at a time.

“Now it has been confirmed that I will race the entire season I felt it was important to stay between rounds to continue preparing for the remainder of the championship.

Currently sitting sixth in the standings, Phillips feels confident he can carry his form from Murray Bridge into another good result this weekend, when MX Nationals’ round five takes place at Echo Valley, Toowoomba.

“I am looking forward to this weekend I like the natural undulation of Echo Valley and feel that I am well prepared for the rutted track.”