Image: Octopi Media.

Smartop Bullfrog Spas MotoConcepts Racing Honda will enter a four-rider roster in 2021 Monster Energy Supercross as Shane McElrath and Benny Bloss join returning duo Justin Hill and Vince Friese.

Following a series of tests in California, which also included Joey Savatgy, MCR has opted to draft in 450SX rookie McElrath and the more experienced Bloss.

Both Hill and Friese, meanwhile, have done enough to retain their seats as the Honda-supported satellite team following the departure of Malcolm Stewart to Monster Energy Yamaha for 2021. It will only be Friese riding the new CRF450R in a development capacity next year.

This year saw Hill finish 10th in the 450SX championship standings, with Friese 14th and Bloss – one of the form riders in Salt Lake City across the final seven races – credited 17th after missing multiple rounds and switching teams mid-season.

“I look forward to working with Shane as I think MCR’s top-level management and bike development team are going to allow him to succeed in what can often be a challenging period as a rider transitions from one class to another,” said MCR team owner Mike Genova.

“Justin displayed the commitment and hard work we expected to see last year, which showed in his speed, allowing him to secure eight top-ten finishes. We’re sure we’ll see an even higher-level from Justin in 2021.”

MCR team manager Tony Alessi added: “Benny’s display of speed and whoop strength in the final rounds of the 2020 season allowed us to see the raw talent he possesses.

“We feel the MCR program will allow him improved starts, which will help put him up front, and the speed he possesses will keep him up front. Our mission in 2021 is to utilize the testing and development abilities of Vince Friese to turn the new model CRF 450 into a race-winning package for future seasons.”

Traditionally a Supercross-only operation, Smartop Bullfrog Spas MotoConcepts Racing Honda has indicated that it will consider campaigning all or select rounds of the 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship ‘should rider health and world conditions allow.