Australian Supercross number two Daniel McCoy is in Melbourne testing for Carlton Dry Honda Racing today, team owner Yarrive Konsky has revealed to MotoOnline.com.au.

McCoy is in line to take over the factory-supported CRF450R vacated by recently-retired Kiwi Ben Townley, almost certain to be lining up with Carlton Dry Honda at this weekend’s Monster Energy MX Nationals opener.

The surprise deal will see McCoy test today at Frankston before completing the program at Konsky’s private facility tomorrow, with team manager Chris Woods joined by Mike Landman and Pip Harrison during the tests.

If the tests go to plan, McCoy will join Ford Dale and new MX2 rider Josh Cachia in the official factory Honda team for the 2013 season.

“It’s unfortunate that Ben Townley has retired, however having Ben involved in the team for the remainder of the season is integral to the team’s results,” Konsky told MotoOnline.com.au.

“Given that his bikes were ready for round one, we felt we were responsible to contract a rider capable of running inside the top five for our sponsors, who put in a large commitment.

“We are fortunate that the runner-up in Australian Supercross, Daniel McCoy, had not been contracted, and we have worked with him in the past. So the decision was easy, based on his previous results and time with the team.

“McCoy is going to be an asset to our team as a matured rider, coming off his most successful Supercross championship, and we feel he will fit in well with the team’s dynamics.

“We look forward to working with him on the all-new Honda CRF450R.”

McCoy completed a full MX Nationals season with Konsky’s official Honda team in 2008, finishing sixth in the Pro Open series with three podiums to his credit.

After finishing second in Supercross with CDR Yamaha in 2012, McCoy was initially slated to ride a YZ450F in a satellite deal for the 2013 outdoor season. He was also expected to return to the team for the Supercross series.

Stay tuned for more when we have it.