From Fire Power Honda
Fire Power Honda Racing will feature a new-look team in 2022, the outfit owned by Yarrive Konsky signing Jarrett Frye alongside Jordon Smith to contest 250SX East and Martin Davalos as team manager.
The team formerly known as Muc-Off Honda Racing will also relocate from California to the Millsaps Training Facility (MTF) in a further bid to improve on its modest success since its 2020 inception.
“I am pumped for this new chapter with Fire Power Honda Racing,” explained Davalos. “I was hoping an opportunity like this would come my way, as I know I have a lot to offer the team. I’m looking forward to managing the program in Georgia and to being involved in testing and development as well.
“The team has a championship-winning program in Australia and I believe in its direction in America for the 2022 season. Relocating the team to MTF will be a huge advantage, to get the most out of a program that wants to contend for championships. We have signed two riders and have a lot in place already.”
Smith made his professional debut in 2015 and since has claimed multiple podiums and three race wins on-board 250 machinery, notably finishing second in the 2018 250SX East standings. He moves across from the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team for 2022.
“I am excited to be joining Fire Power Honda Racing next year,” Smith stated. “The team has shown promise the past two seasons and the changes they are making for next year show an unwavering commitment to succeeding.
“It’s going to be great next year, being in Georgia and at MTF will give us all the ability to be better prepared and I believe that will make a massive difference to our results. Martin is very meticulous and focused and will make us all accountable. I can see why he was so successful as a racer and it’s already translating into our preparation for next year.”
Frye experienced a difficult 2021 season with injuries impacting his rookie campaign with Star Yamaha, scoring a best result of 10th in 250SX West at Arlington 3. Alongside Smith, he has begun testing and preparations for 2022 in his new colors.
“This year proved challenging, racing and riding with injuries and feeling the pressure to race was hard. I knew I didn’t have a deal for 2022, so I persevered and did my best,” explained Frye.
“Being at MTF is great and Marty is unbelievable. There aren’t too many team managers in the pits that have his achievements. He knows what it takes, and he is working hard to build a solid program.”
While the Fire Power Honda Racing team will focus on the eastern regional 250 series, selected Pro Motorcross races are also being considered. There is also the possibility of taking the US riders over to compete in the Australian Supercross Championship.
Konsky added: “Our current focus is the East coast Supercross championship, but we haven’t ruled out racing two or three rounds of the motocross championship and bringing some or all of the riders, including Davalos, to race in the Australian Supercross Championship.”
The 2022 Monster Energy Supercross 250SX East season begins on 19 February at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN, marking the first of nine rounds, two of which being East/West Showdown events.
