Chad Reed did not miss his debut with Honda. The Australian superstar dominated the first round of the Monster Energy Super X championship in Newcastle. Reed won both heats. Second and third place went to American riders Josh Hansen and Justin Brayton.
In the first heat Dan Reardon took the holeshot followed by Josh Hansen and Chad Reed. The three were initially in a fierce duel, but Reed was able to pass Hansen when the Kawasaki pilot made a mistake. Hansen in turn was able to pass Reardon, but 'Skippy' kept everything under control until the finish. Hansen came second, ahead of Reardon, Jay Marmont and American Justin Brayton.
Local Craig Anderson took the second holeshot of the evening, but it was Reed again who took the lead early with Brayton second and Reardon third. Hansen was able to pass Reardon on the third lap so that the first three places went to AMA riders. Mike Alessi was also present on the American side. However, the KTM rider had an evening to quickly forget. Alessi broke his gear lever in the first heat. In the second series he dragged a straw bale and had to come into the pits to remove it.
Chad Reed
“First and foremost I would like to thank all the fans who came to Newcastle tonight. It was a long-term plan to organize a race here and after three years it finally happened. I immediately felt at home here and it feels great to start with a win. 2010 was a difficult year for me, but I had a great time tonight.”
Josh Hansen
"I rode really consistently tonight, that makes me happy. I had a lot of fun here and I really enjoy being in Australia. I would like to thank Monster Energy, who made this possible."
Justin Brayton
“My first race didn't go according to plan because I was pushed over the embankment at the start. In the second moto I had a good start and achieved a good result with a second place. Reed was very strong and it's nice for him to win in his hometown. I'm really enjoying Australia and I'm looking forward to the next two rounds.”
American PJ Larsen (JDR Motorex KTM) won in the Lites ahead of Rockstar Motul Suzuki rider Matt Moss in second and Ryan Marmont (JDR Motorex KTM) was third. The Australian Super
OPEN – Newcastle
1. Chad REED – TeamVodafone: 50
2. Josh HANSEN – Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki: 42
3. Justin BRAYTON – Muscle Milk / Toyota JGRMX: 38
4. Daniel REARDON – Cougar Bourbon Honda Thor Racing:38
5. Jay MARMONT – CDR Rockstar Yamaha: 34
6. Tye SIMMONDS – JDR Motorex KTM:27
7. Todd WATERS – Cougar Bourbon Thor Honda:27
8. Daniel McCOY – Coastal KTM Motorex Team:27
9. Jake MOSS – Team Rockstar Motul Suzuki:27
10. Craig ANDERSON – Berry Sweet / Pro Grip / Talon / RHK / Forma:
LITES – Newcastle
1. PJ LARSEN – JDR Motorex KTM: 25
2. Matt MOSS – Team Rockstar Motul Suzuki: 22
3. Ryan MARMONT – JDR Motorex KTM: 20
4. Kade MOSIG – Cougar Bourbon Honda Thor: 18
5. Lawson BOPPING – Team Rockstar Motul Suzuki: 16
6. Cody MACKIE – Kawasaki Racing Team Cool Air Conditioning:15
7. Harley QUINLAN – Yamaha: 14
