Shane McElrath will race for Fire Power Honda in the upcoming 2024 FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) season, with the North Carolinian racer partnering Cole Thompson as he aims for a second SX2 title.
McElrath has consistently raced in WSX’s SX2 250cc class and beat Max Anstie to the championship crown in 2022 before taking the runner-up spot in 2023 after going head-to-head with the British racer again last season.
Holding three overall GP victories in SX2, and a total of eight GP race podium finishes, McElrath is the powerhouse rider of 250cc action in the series and is a constant front-running threat every single weekend.
By partnering with Fire Power Honda, McElrath joins WSX’s reigning Teams’ Champions to form what appears to be an unstoppable force heading into the season-opener on 26 October.
Shane McElrath, 2022 FIM World Supercross SX2 Champion & SX2 Rider, Fire Power Honda, said: “I’m delighted to join Fire Power Honda for the upcoming season, and I’m very excited to see what we can achieve together. Over the past two years on the other side of the fence, I’ve experienced first-hand how competitive the team is, and I’m looking forward to bringing our competitive spirit together with the aim of winning another SX2 title. My sights are set on reclaiming the championship, and I’m looking forward to kicking things off in Vancouver.”
Cole Thompson joins Fire Power Honda after an impressive debut season in WSX last year, which saw the Canadian join ClubMX mid-campaign as a replacement for Enzo Lopes.
In his two appearances in Abu Dhabi and Melbourne, the native of Brigden, Ontario, propelled himself to sixth in points while finishing second overall in the season finale.
As a full-time SX2 entry in 2024, Thompson is in a strong position to build upon his place in the series, buoyed by his existing momentum from this year after placing 10th in AMA Supercross 250SX West.
Cole Thompson, SX2 Rider, Fire Power Honda, said: “Joining the reigning SX2 champions in WSX is a big opportunity for me, and after some good performances in my debut season, I’m excited to see what we can achieve together. I’m coming into this season with some good momentum, and away from the track, I’ve been working hard to refine my performance so I can unlock my personal best on race day. Working alongside Shane, who is a World Champion rider, will push me to be the best I can be, and I’m ready to give this season my all. I can’t wait for the first race, especially with the opening round taking place on home soil in Canada.”
With the confirmation of McElrath and Thompson, Fire Power Honda has established its full rider lineup for the 2024 season, with two-time FIM World Supercross vice champion, Joey Savatgy, and series frontrunner, Dean Wilson, heading the team’s WSX 450cc class.
The 2024 season will get underway on 26 October at BC Place in Vancouver for the inaugural WSX Canadian GP and will continue on 23-24 November at HBF Park in Perth for the WSX Australian GP. The season will conclude on 4 December at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Yarrive Konsky, Team Principal, Fire Power Honda, added: “Our goals are clear: we want to win another championship, and we have great riders in both the 450 and 250 classes to make that happen. Shane is a proven champion, and Cole is eager to prove himself. Both riders know we’ve got a competitive bike. Beyond individual titles, we’re also chasing the team and manufacturer championships—Honda is a proven product. With so many races across these formats, consistency and speed are key. I’m confident we have the talent to get the job done, but staying consistent is what will make the difference.”
Words and Images by WSX
