Buildbase Honda has confirmed it is to retain Graeme Irwin and Martin Barr for 2017, and has also signed up Matt and Chris Bayliss to race in the UK Arenacross series alongside Fabien Izoird. Matt will compete in the Pro class while Chris will ride in the Pro-Lite 250 class.

Barr and the Bayliss brothers will be on the Honda stand for the opening day of the International Dirt Bike Show at Stoneleigh on October 27.

As well as a chance to meet the Honda riders, visitors to the show will be the first in the UK to see the all-new CRF450R and CRF450RX. Completely redesigned for 2017, the bikes share an HRC-inspired engine that gives an 11% top-end power hike.  A new frame offers a lower centre of gravity and revised geometry delivers greater rear wheel traction and agility.  The bike will also come with electric start, as standard.

Joining team manager Dave Thorpe and the riders on the Honda stand, to give a review of Honda’s performance in 2016 and to look to the year ahead, will be Davy Dousselaere, Honda’s European off-road racing manager.

Having seen the new CRF450 in the flesh, visitors to the Honda stand can enter a ‘Spot the Blatant Blunder’ competition, for a chance to win a brand new CRF450R.