Despite withdrawing much of its motorsport support around the globe, Honda will continue to support motorcycling in Australia.

The company will continue as naming rights sponsor of the 2009 Australian Junior Motocross Championships, a deal that comes after it ended its sponsorship of the Australian Superbikes Championships earlier this year. The Junior Motocross Championships will take place at the Maffra Sale Motorcycle Club (MSMC) in September and October.

"The club is thrilled that Honda has come on board as the naming rights sponsor for this year, and we look forward to working closely with them to ensure the event is a huge success," said MSMC president, Mark Tyquin. "This is by far the biggest junior motocross event held in Australia each year and it is an honour for our club to be chosen to host the event. The Maffra Sale Motorcycle Club is extremely grateful for the support Honda has extended to us and the sport of motocross in general, in these extremely difficult economic times."

Honda's general manager for motorcycles, Tony Hinton, added: "Honda Australia is very much looking forward to their ninth year as the naming right’s sponsor for the Junior National Motocross Titles. The young riders and their families put in a lot of hard work and passion to make it happen, and we have remained involved because we are serious about supporting the sport at the development level. This year will be even more exciting for us in that the event is being held in our own backyard in Victoria so there will certainly be a large contingent of Honda fans out to show their support to the kids."