2012 Aus SX Championship teams revealed
Most teams are running the same rider lineups they did for the recently concluded Monster Energy MX Nationals, but there are a few changes across some of the top flight teams. Injuries are a factor, too, with some riders unavailable or doubtful for the upcoming SX series. The provisional entry list is also notable for the lack of American import riders that characterised the last few years of the 'SuperX' series.
Most interesting is the potential return of Ben Townley for Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing. The kiwi champ's been named in the factory Honda squad, but is still to be confirmed after he dislocated a hip earlier this year. Brad Anderson (Pro Open) and recent MX2 outdoor championship winner, Ford Dale, are also named.
CDR Yamaha will see Daniel McCoy join Lawson Bopping in the Pro Open class. McCoy rode for the Hart & Huntington privateer team in the outdoors this year, with the CDR signing only to cover the supercross series at this point. Yamaha will be represented in the Pro Lites by the Serco Metal Mulisha squad of Kirk Gibbs (who's currently injured) and Luke Styke.
Monster Energy Kawasaki will field a strong Pro Open entry comprising last year's Super X Open class champ, Jay Marmont, and Billy Mackenzie. They will be joined by Kade Mosig in the Pro Lites.
JDR/KTM Factory Racing will field two riders each in Pro Open and Pro Lites. Defending Lites champion, Matt Moss, will step up to join Dan Reardon in the Opens, while Ryan Marmont and Josh Cachia are named in the Lites team. Following his recent retirement announcement, expect Reardon to put in a big effort in what will be his farewell Supercross campaign.
Todd Waters should be one to watch in the Opens. The MX Nationals runner-up has been impressive in the outdoors, and should do well if he transfers that form to Supercross. Experienced privateers like Jake Moss (Honda) and 2011 Super X runner-up Tye Simmonds (Honda) should also shake things up in the Open class.
CDR Yamaha
Lawson Bopping - Pro Open
Daniel McCoy - Pro Open
Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha Racing
Luke Styke - Pro Lites
Kirk Gibbs - Pro Lites (injured)
GYTR Yamaha
Wade Hunter - Under 19s
Sam Martin - Under 19s
Berry Sweet/Lucas Oil/Yamaha
Craig Anderson - Pro Open
Luke Arbon - Pro Lites
Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing
Ben Townley - Pro Open (injured)
Brad Anderson - Pro Open
Ford Dale - Pro Lites
JDR/KTM Factory Racing
Matt Moss - Pro Open
Dan Reardon - Pro Open
Ryan Marmont - Pro Lites
Josh Cachia - Pro Lites
Choice Motorsports KTM
Jacob Wright - Pro Open
Dylan Long - Under 19s
Monster Energy Kawasaki
Jay Marmont - Pro Open
Billy Mackenzie - Pro Open
Kade Mosig - Pro Lites
Team Axis Motorsports Kawasaki Maxima
Ben George - Under 19s
Dylan Leary - Under 19s (injured)
Motul Pirelli Suzuki
Todd Waters - Pro Open
Steven Clarke - Pro Lites
Raceline Pirelli Suzuki
Errol Willis - Pro Lites
Scott Columb - Pro Lites
Jay Wilson - Under 19s
Zero Seven Motorsports Suzuki
Adam Monea - Pro Lites (injured)
Dion Picard - Pro Open (injured)
Campbell Mining/TLD/Maxima/Honda Team
Jake Moss - Pro Open
Honda/Red Bull/Simmonds Racing
Tye Simmonds - Pro Open
DPH Motorsport Honda Racing
Cheyne Boyd - Pro Lites
The four-round 2012 Australian Supercross Championship kicks off at the Morris Park Speedway track in Dubbo, NSW on October 13. Rounds 2, 3, and 4 will be held at Phillip Island (VIC), Toowoomba (QLD) and Broadmeadow (NSW).
For more details, go to www.australiansupercross.com.au
