Apico Honda reveals 2026 line-up
By Images: Insight Media on 7th Nov 25
Apico Honda have added some serious firepower to their Motul British Motocross Championship line-up for 2026 with the signing of long-time Honda ace Josh Gilbert, who joins Tom Grimshaw in the team’s MX1 assault.
The Cornish charger is no stranger to life aboard a red machine. Having first turned pro with Honda back in 2015 at Hilton Park on a CRF250R, Gilbert went on to notch up his first British Championship race and overall win in 2019 – again flying the winged badge.
Fast forward a decade, and the now 27-year-old brings a wealth of experience, proven pace and proper top-flight pedigree to Dylan and Anna Brown’s Apico Honda setup. Gilbert has already swung a leg over the 2026-spec CRF450R during a recent Insight Media photoshoot and says the early signs are more than promising.
Josh Gilbert: “I’m really looking forward to the start of the season. Dylan and I get on quite well and are on the same wavelength. He and Anna are just as keen as I am to get started and do our best. It’s quite refreshing to have that rapport at such an early stage in our relationship. I’m a Honda man, I’ve grown up riding Honda’s and although I’ve ridden other brands, I seem to always come back to the red machine as it’s where I feel at home. Now, having met the team and seen the setup, I’m confident that I have the right tools behind me to go out and do a good job. We’ll be aiming for the top of the podium, and I feel Apico Honda will add to my programme and help me get there.”
Team boss Dylan Brown reckons the addition of Gilbert is the perfect fit as Apico Honda gear up for another crack at MX1 glory.
Dylan Brown: “Josh is the latest in a long list of British riders who have raced for the team over the past 11 seasons and is without a doubt one of the top talents in the MX1 class today. Having known Josh for a little while now, we have a mutual respect and understanding that feels like a winning combination, and I’m excited to see what the new season will bring.
“I feel that what we can add to Josh’s racing gives him the consistency and products to raise the bar and get him back to winning ways. Anna and I are confident that we can provide Josh all he needs to be competitive and be at the top end of the Apico Pro MX1 Class at the Motul British Championship.”
Grimshaw, who ended his 2025 season on a high, is also buzzing to have such an experienced teammate under the awning.
Tom Grimshaw: “I’m excited to have Josh on the team. I feel he’s a couple of steps ahead of me in his career and riding ability, so I hope to learn from him and develop myself further this season. I had a strong end to the 2025 season, and I’m looking to carry this into 2026. There are a few areas I want to improve on, and I aim to be as close as possible to the top 5. With a good off-season and team around me, I can make that happen”.
Apico Honda’s 2026 campaign kicks off at the Hawkstone International, before heading into the Motul British Motocross Championship opener in March. Both Gilbert and Grimshaw will also line up for selected events throughout the season aboard their new CRF450R race bikes.
