Image: Octopi Media

Muc-Off Honda’s Justin Brayton is uncertain if he’ll ride this weekend in Orlando following a mid-week crash, while teammate Mitchell Oldenburg is set to step up to the 450SX class and Mitchell Harrison kicks off his bid for the 2021 250SX West title at Camping World Stadium.

A practice crash has left Brayton with no choice but to make a last-minute decision on whether or not he’ll line up this Saturday as the 2021 Monster Energy Supercross series continues in Orlando. Following last week’s 11th place finish at Orlando 1, Brayton currently sits 11th overall in the 450SX championship standings.

“I took a big hit to the chest when I crashed on Tuesday,” Brayton explained in a press release on Friday. “I am unsure if I will race as I am not feeling 100% and you have to be 100% to be competitive in this series. It will be a last-minute decision for me on Saturday. I want to race but my body may have other ideas.”

While Brayton is an unknown for Muc-Off Honda’s 450 effort, one thing is for certain, Oldenburg will line up in the premier class for the second time in his career aboard a CRF450R. The first time we saw him in the class he made history by becoming the first rider ever to qualify for the main event on a 250.

“This is my second ever 450 class race but my first on an actual 450,” said Oldenburg. “The truth is I am pumped to be given this opportunity to race! There are no expectations for me but my goal is to make the main event and to put together 20 solid minutes of riding.”

Round eight of the series marks the beginning of the 250SX West championship, with Mitchell Harrison set to swing his leg over a Muc-Off Honda CRF250R for the first time in competition. Harrison has had extended time away from Supercross, but is eager to get the season going.

“The last time I raced Supercross was in March 2019 and I am super excited to get back out there,” Harrison said. “Testing has gone well, and the bike is good. My teammate has shown what its capable of and I am confident we will be competitive.”