Factory Honda has confirmed Nathan Crawford will join the team ahead of Round 6 of the 2026 Australian ProMX Championship at Traralgon.
The experienced Queenslander finished runner-up in last year’s MX1 Championship and arrives at Factory Honda after making what he described as several major changes to his racing program in recent seasons.
“Everything over the past few seasons has led me to this opportunity,” Crawford said.
“I’ve made some big changes, backed myself and taken some risks to get here. I take accountability for my decisions and I believe I’m now in the right environment to achieve the best results I have in me.”
Crawford said he still believes his best racing is ahead of him and that the opportunity to work alongside Factory Honda Team Director Yarrive Konsky was a major factor in joining the team.
“I haven’t reached my ceiling yet. I need to be around people who believe I can improve and challenge me to be better, and I believe I have that with Yarrive and the Factory Honda Team.
“Yarrive has already spent time testing with me and has been open and honest about areas where I can improve, both with my riding and with the motorcycle. He genuinely cares about developing riders and helping them reach their potential.”
Crawford also highlighted Konsky’s close working relationship with his trainer, Ford Dale, as another positive.
One conversation, in particular, stood out.
“He said, ‘You’ve tried doing it your way for a long time and you haven’t won. Not a lot has changed, so if you want different results, something has to change. We’re here to help because we believe you haven’t reached your ceiling.’
“Rather than telling me I’m not fast enough, they’re showing me where I can improve and how the bike and my riding can be different to unlock more speed. We’re going to find out whether I have more to give.”
Konsky said the signing was built on mutual respect and a belief that Crawford still has untapped potential.
“Nathan has been doing this a long time and he’s been a talented rival that I’ve respected for many years,” Konsky said.
“My belief is not that he needs to work harder, but that he needs to work differently and focus on the areas that can genuinely make him better.
“We’ll be patient because changing habits doesn’t happen overnight. If he listens, commits and shows improvement, I’ll be encouraged to continue investing in him.”
Factory Honda also acknowledged Elite Moto Coaching Honda for its role in supporting Crawford during the opening rounds of the championship.
According to Konsky, the privateer outfit delivered two MX1 podium finishes in three rounds and continues to strengthen Honda’s Ride Red development pathway.
Crawford is expected to remain with Factory Honda through the remainder of the 2026 ProMX season and will make his debut with the team at Traralgon.
Looking ahead, Konsky confirmed the team will announce its Australian Supercross Championship lineup in August before shifting its focus to a streamlined structure for 2027.
The long-term plan is expected to centre around two MX1 riders, two MX2 riders and Charli Cannon in the Women’s Motocross class, with Kyle Webster already contracted long-term. Konsky also confirmed the arrival of Honda’s next-generation CRF450 platform will see the team continue investing heavily in motorcycle development alongside its rider program.
