Morning Espresso: Factory Connection Not Returning in 2021, Red Bull Imagination and More

Welcome to Morning Espresso where we recap some news from around the world.

Factory Connection Done

About a month ago, Factory Connection found out that GEICO, the long-time title sponsor of the team, would not return in 2021. GEICO has been a sponsor of the team since the summer of 2008 and with the insurance company pulling its sponsorship late, it left the team scrambling to try and secure a title sponsor before the supercross season.

Well, rumors over the weekend have confirmed the worse: it appears Factory Connection is closing up shop.

Steve Matthes reported the news:

Rumors have been very strong that GEICO Honda team will cease operations after today. Lawrence brothers will stay Honda, maybe #6 but everyone else needs a ride/job. What a legacy for the FC Honda guys, congrats!
— Steve Matthes (@pulpmx) October 10, 2020

Where does this leave the Lawrence brothers, Jeremy Martin, Jo Shimoda, and Carson Mumford?

Rumors are that the Lawrence brothers will run under the Honda HRC tent. Jeremy Martin confirmed he is leaving Honda on the podium on Saturday with a move to Pro Circuit Kawasaki out there. Shimoda and Mumford? Well, not much to report there as of now. Stay tuned.

Red Bull Imagination Week

Chilidog, myself, and a big ole crew of doggies will be in Kansas this week for the Red Bull Imagination event dreamt up by Tyler Bereman and Dream Traxx’s Jason Baker. We can’t say much, but watch this space, this event is going to be bonkers.

Here is the rider list: