CARD0 SYSTEMS JOINS FACTORY HONDA RACING AUSTRALIA!

Bringing Two-Way Communication to Australian Supercross

Cardo Systems gets behind Factory Honda Racing Australia for Round 1 of the Australian Supercross Championship, supporting a new approach to communication, rider development and safety in motorcycle racing.

Communication can make the difference between a good decision and a dangerous situation. In motorsport, it can be the difference between reacting in time and reacting too late.

Cardo Systems, recognised as a pioneer in motorcycle Bluetooth communication, has continued to innovate since introducing its first motorcycle communicator. Now, the technology is finding an exciting new application in professional motorcycle racing.

Factory Honda Racing Australia approached Cardo because the team believes in its technology and sees significant potential for two-way, live communication in motorcycle racing.

For Honda Racing Australia Director Yarrive Konsky, the opportunity extends well beyond coaching.

“In-ear communication has enormous potential to improve safety. If we can communicate effectively with riders in real time, we can reduce the number of people who need to be exposed to dangerous situations on the track. We can alert riders to incidents ahead, crashes, track conditions and potential mechanical issues.

“Ultimately, better communication means better-informed decisions. It has the potential to reduce unnecessary risks and make racing safer for everyone involved,” said Konsky.

A technology with more than 70 years of motorsport history

Two-way radio communication was first used at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1949. Before that, motorsport relied on pit boards and visual signals to communicate with competitors.

For more than seven decades, radio communication has been an established part of professional motorsport. It is time to explore how that technology can be more widely integrated into two-wheel racing.

Cardo provides a technology platform that enables wireless communication through Bluetooth and its advanced communication systems. Its product range includes the PACKTALK EDGEPHONES ORV, which allows riders and team personnel to communicate while riding. The technology also presents exciting opportunities for rider coaching and development.

Learning without losing momentum

Two-time Australian Motocross Champion Kyle Webster understands the value of immediate feedback.

“Doing things instantaneously makes a difference. Pulling in, debriefing and going back out can interrupt your momentum. Having someone in your ear, telling you what you need to do, what to change or what to try, without having to pull over, allows you to maintain that momentum.

“We learn things by doing them over and over again. Having that immediate communication allows you to make adjustments, practice them and build those changes into your riding,” said Webster.

For professional riders, the ability to receive feedback in real time could change the way training sessions, testing programs and rider development are conducted.

Proven motorsport involvement

Cardo’s involvement in motorsport extends beyond motorcycle road riding. The company became the official communications system of Progressive American Flat Track, supporting communication between officials and Honda Talon Experience vehicle crews.

Its involvement with Factory Honda Racing Australia represents another opportunity to demonstrate the technology in a demanding professional racing environment.

A partnership built on belief in the product

Factory Honda Racing Australia is proud to work alongside Cardo Systems and its New Zealand distributor, Darbi Accessories.

Darbi Accessories General Manager John Mehaffy welcomed the relationship.

“This is a great alliance. Cardo is an exceptional product, and we are proud to be aligned with Honda Racing. We see real potential in what this technology can offer motorcycle racing, and we’re excited to be part of the journey,” said Mehaffy.

For Honda Racing Australia, the objective is simple: embrace innovation, explore new ways to improve performance and help make motorcycle racing safer.

Better communication. Better decisions. Better racing.

The Team also welcomes Austin Politelli to Australia to race in the SX1 class, replacing the injured Nathan Crawford.  

RD1 of Australian Supercross – Auckland. For more information go to www.australiansupercross.com.au