Image: 5th Gear Digital.

Queenslander Nathan Crawford has surfaced on a privately-run Honda in preparation for the remaining rounds of the 2026 Australian ProMX Championship, just days following his high-profile KTM Racing Team exit.

The 28-year-old mutually parted ways with the factory-backed KTM organisation just one round into the new season, where he finished a lowly 13th overall at Wonthaggi.

Despite earning second in the national MX1 championship last year, Crawford was unable to come to terms with the 450 SX-F this pre-season, which has prompted him to effectively walk away from a lucrative contract in favour of a transfer to CRF450R machinery. It is understood he will be part of the newly-formed MotoCoach Elite Racing team for the remainder of ProMX.

It is unclear how closely connected Crawford’s independent program will be to the official Honda Racing team that’s led by defending two-time champion Kyle Webster and Wilson Todd in MX1, however, it’s believed that factory team owner Yarrive Konsky has been instrumental in attracting Crawford to the manufacturer.

Crawford has spent much of this past week shaking down the Honda behind closed doors – equipped with FactorySpec-developed suspension and Bridgestone tyres, while still wearing Alpinestars – before making his first public appearance at Appin on Saturday. It’s expected he will debut at Canberra’s second round of ProMX on April 19 and will close out the series in red.

After spending much of his professional career locally across an assortment of Husqvarna, KTM, Yamaha and even Kawasaki operations, Crawford spent a single season onboard a Honda – with the 114 Motorsports team – in the MX2 World Championship during the COVID-affected 2020 campaign.

Neither Crawford or the MotoCoach Elite Racing team have moved to confirm their newfound partnership. The Leigh Gainfort-owned team debuted at round one of ProMX with Rhys Budd (MX2) alongside Hadley Gainfort (MX2), Cooper Holroyd (MX1) and Brandon Steel (MX1).