Super X in Adelaide

Super X 2008 heads to South Australia with the new Super Sprint format this weekend.

The introduction of a world-first race format to this weekend’s Super X round at the Adelaide Showgrounds could see any number of Pro Open and Pro Lites riders atop the podium.

The Super Sprint format will inject further spark into the championship, which, after just one round, is already shaping up to be the most exciting in Australian history. Unforgiving in nature, the Pro Open event will feature a series of short, sharp sprints through the qualifying, heat and semi-final stages to determine a maximum 10-rider field to tackle the 5-lap final.

Round 1 victor, Suzuki’s Chad Reed said the introduction of a new format would place emphasis on quick, error-free laps. “Super Sprint has the potential to shake things up in a big way – the pressure will be on everyone this weekend,” said Reed. “The format will place particular importance on getting off to a good, clean start in every session; if you get caught up in an arm wrestle to the first turn it could cost you dearly.”

“From hereon in, a steady race rhythm will keep riders in the mix. As soon as you start to lose focus or stumble on a section of the track then it could be game over. I’m aiming to go two-in-row at Adelaide this weekend but I’m under no illusion that the task will be straightforward.”

Mike Porra, CEO of Global Action Sports, said the introduction of new race formats would help to take the sport to a mainstream audience. “Chad is understandably nervous about some of the formats because they are much shorter and faster with absolutely no room for error; this makes the top riders nervous and it’s exactly why they will be great for the sport,” said Porra. “When fans see the new formats live at the venues, such as Super Sprint at Adelaide this weekend or on Fox Sports, I have absolutely no doubt they will say that they are the best thing that has ever happened to the sport.”

If the results from round 1 have written a form guide for the season, then Reed’s greatest challenge will again come from Honda’s Daniel Reardon and Yamaha trio Jay Marmont, Cheyne Boyd and Andrew McFarlane. It would, however, be hard to discount previous proven local talent, with the likes of Honda’s Craig Anderson, Suzuki’s Cameron Taylor and Kawasaki’s Troy Carroll all eager to add a big bag of points to their account.

Local talent, Hitachi Kawasaki rider Gianni Dalle-Molle will be hoping that the home crowd advantage can help him to a top result come Saturday evening. “You always tend to step it up at a home race, having family and friends trackside is a big boost,” said Dalle-Molle, 19, of Nairne. “I had a slow start in Perth but really hoping to get back on track in Adelaide, the format will shake things up, the races are much shorter and should produce a lot closer racing,” he said. “I think this will give the younger riders a real chance to stick with the big names, and though it will be tough to beat them, I’ll certainly be in there giving it a good go. The track looks tough, the start straight is particularly long so a good start will be important – with some luck I’m quietly confident of sneaking into the top 5 this weekend.”

Another packed Pro Lites field will make for entertaining racing at the Adelaide Showgrounds. The Moss twins fought an entertaining duel at the opener, with Jake fending off a mid-race challenge from brother Matt to open his Super X account with a perfect 25 points. The depth of talent within the 250cc field will ensure another gripping round of competition, with riders wrestling their way through practice, qualifying, heat and last-chance qualifying sessions to grab a spot in the final. 15 laps will then separate a maximum field of 22 riders from taking the chequered flag and a big bag of championship points.

At 670 metres long, the standout feature of the Adelaide Showgrounds track is without a doubt its unprecedented 110 metre start straight. Split-second reaction times will determine whether a rider streaks away from the field or becomes bogged down in a cloud of dust and dirt in the race to the first corner.

A range of great ticketing options are still available for this weekend’s event, visit www.superx.com.au to purchase now.