Chad Reeds Super X in Perth
Chad Reed’s Super X series kicks off in Perth this weekend
A long-held ambition of dual-World Supercross Champion and proud Australian Chad Reed will be realised when the gates drop on the first ever round of Super X at the Perth (Kwinana) Motorplex this Saturday. Reed, ranked third on the list of all-time Supercross greats, has maintained an active local involvement with the industry that helped to nurture his talent in his junior years, and the inception of a world-class series on home soil is his way of giving something back to the sport.
The 26-year-old took time out from a hectic schedule today to speak candidly about this weekend’s event, and what the series could bring to the sport on a national level. Reed has played an integral role in the choice of venues, the design of larger, faster and more challenging tracks and the introduction of a range of new formats, never seen before in any other series. Super X has attracted world-wide attention, and a number of fellow ex-pat Aussies are relishing the chance to return home and compete in the seven-round series.
The New South Welshman will be making his international Supercross debut with new team Suzuki at the Motorplex, with close to 15,000 spectators set to witness the spectacle first-hand.
“I’m really excited about this weekend, we’ve been planning for almost 18 months and the first ever Super X event is just days away,” said Reed. “It’s been great to be able to add opinions from a rider’s perspective, Supercross has a huge fan base in the US and we’ve been able to inject a faster, more exciting and more challenging style of racing into the local Aussie scene with the new championship. Western Australia has a passionate dirt bike fan base and I’m pleased that we’re kicking things off over here.”
Challenging Reed for the top step of the podium will be local Supercross hopeful, KTM rider Michael Addison. Based in Lesmurdie, 22-year-old Addison has enjoyed considerable success at home in the past, but acknowledged the new Super X series would be tough for any top Australian rider to adjust to.
“After winning the WA State Motocross Championships I am keen to prove that I have the ability to win at Supercross as well,” said Addison. “I have built a new Supercross track about an hour from my house at Lesmurdie and I had it designed as close as possible to American circuits which Super X tracks are designed around. Having local fans behind me at Round one in Perth is going to be a big confidence booster to perform well in front of a home crowd. I have been working hard on my starts because getting a start in a new pro open format is going to be one of the most competitive edges you can get to compete against the likes of Chad Reed.”
Riders will battle it out in a traditional 20-lap race to the chequered flag in two competitive classes. Gates to the family friendly event open at 11.00am, with qualifying commencing at 12.00pm. Racing will start at 2.00pm..
Great tickets to the event are still available for purchase online at www.superx.com.au or at the venue on Saturday.
