Queenslander Ford Dale has been linked to a Pro Lites ride with Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing for 2012.

Despite missing much of this season with a knee injury, Dale is expected to be announced later this week as the final signing in an expanded Honda line-up for next year.

Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing has already confirmed that Kiwi Ben Townley will join dual British Motocross Champion Brad Anderson in the premier Pro Open class, with Dale in line to ride a factory CRF250R.

This season saw Honda focus on the Open class in the outdoors before adding American Gavin Faith to the roster on a Lites bike in supercross, however Dale is believed to be riding the Lites full time.

Dale rode for the Melbourne-based Honda operation for a season in 2009, before switching to Serco Yamaha in 2010 and 2011.

Earlier this year, Dale was in form during the MX Nationals before injuring his knee at the Murray Bridge round. Up until that point, the 23-year-old had won a moto and scored three other race podiums.

Dale’s speed was clear in the opening three rounds, qualifying fastest in both rounds one and three of the series at Broadford and Raymond Terrace, respectively.

Stay tuned for an official announcement to come from the team this week, according to sources.