Reed and McGrath to Race in Australia

From Moto Magazine:

Jeremy McGrath will headline the return of the Australasian Super X series to Geelong later this year.
The American, regarded by many as the greatest supercross rider of all time, will take on Australian two-time world champion Chad Reed on a temporary international-class dirt track when the event returns to Skilled on October 24.

Last year’s Geelong motorcycle extravaganza created Australian motorsport history, when a record crowd of more than 16,000 crammed into the AFL venue for the event.

Super X promoter Mike Porra said he expected this year’s event to be a sellout, as fans flocked to see Reed and McGrath.

McGrath is the Tiger Woods of Supercross, having won seven world titles, more than 100 races and had a computer game and race series created in his honour.

Mr Porra said the 36-year-old was still a force and would push Reed every step of the way in the shortened races on what is expected to be the fastest and most dangerous track of the seven-event series.

“As a seven-time world champion and clearly the greatest supercross rider in history, Jeremy is a massive drawcard and there’s no question that having him there will provide an added challenge for Chad,” he said.

“The format for Geelong, with the six-lap races, will also help Jeremy. He’s so technically strong and quick off the mark and he should be super competitive in those races.”

Geelong will host the only Victorian round of the championship.

“We’re only going back to three of the venues that were used last year and we’re staying with Geelong because the riders were unanimous in saying that it was their favourite venue,” Mr Porra said.

“Skilled Stadium is the perfect venue for Supercross. Its size allows us to build a large, open track for more cut-throat, exciting racing and the amphitheatre layout creates an amazing atmosphere for both the riders and fans.”

More than 7000 tonnes of dirt will be trucked into Skilled Stadium to create a spectacular track spanning more than 600m and featuring some of the highest supercross jumps seen in Australia.

The final will again feature three six-lap races, with the overall winner decided on points.

This year’s Super X season will kick off in Launceston on October 17 and concludes at Brisbane on December 5.
McGrath will compete in three of the seven rounds, while all Australian riders from last year’s series will again compete.