Australian Chad Reed is back and the Epstein Barr virus that derailed his motocross campaign in the United States earlier this season is now just a bad memory.

TeamVodafone’s Reed took his Honda CRF450 to the top step of the podium at round one of the Monster Energy Australasian Super X Championships in Newcastle with a dominate performance in front of a home crowd of over 12,500 at Energy Australia stadium on Saturday night.

United States imports Josh Hansen (Kawasaki) and Justin Brayton claimed the remainder podium spots coming in second and third respectively.

The “double header” race format featured in the final, which pitted riders against each other in 2, 12 lap heats. Cougar Bourbon Thor Honda’s Dan Reardon grabbed the first holeshot with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit’s Hansen second and Reed third.

The racing was bar to bar for first, second and third place at the start of the race, but a small slip up by Hansen allowed Reed to pass him. Reed then sat on Reardon’s tail and eventually made the pass half way through the race. Hansen overtook Reardon and began to chase Reed, but the reigning champion was too fast and held on for the win.

Reardon held on for third and CDR Rockstar Yamaha’s Jay Marmont finished fourth. Second fastest qualifier also from the USA, Muscle Milk / Toyota JGRMX rider Justin Brayton (Yamaha), who was pushed over the berm on the first corner, made his way back through the pack to finish fifth.

Local rider Craig Anderson claimed the second holeshot in the second moto, but it was Reed who got out to an early lead with Brayton second and Reardon third. Hansen passed Reardon on the third lap and the three internationals held their position until the end with Reed throwing a huge whip to his home crowd fans once over the finish line.

“First and foremost I want to thank all of the Newcastle fans for coming tonight. It has been a long term plan to have a race here and after three years it has finally happened,” said Reed afterwards. “I felt right at home racing out there tonight and it feels great to get the win.

“2010 has been a tough year for me, but I had a blast riding tonight.”

Hansen was also satisfied with his performance.

“I rode really consistent tonight so I’m happy,” said Hansen.

“I had great fun here tonight and I am really enjoying Australia. I’ve got to thank Monster for making this possible.”

The always exciting Lites class was also decided with a “double header” final and it was US rider JDR Motorex KTM’s PJ Larsen who finished first with Rockstar Motul Suzuki rider Matt Moss second and JDR Motorex KTM’s Ryan Marmont third.

Rockstar Motul Suzuki’s Lawson Bopping was leading until the second last lap on the first moto, but was pipped at the post by Larsen with Marmont third. Cody Mackie took an early lead in the second moto, but was overtaken by Larsen and Moss. Moss then overtook Larsen in a close shave and held on for the win.

Dylan Long won the first round of the Michelin Development Series with Jacob Wright second and Luke Clout third.

The series now heads to Canberra for the second round at Canberra Stadium next weekend.

Here’s another video CLICK HERE from Saturday night’s racing

OPEN Top Ten Results – Round 1

1.   Chad REED – TeamVodafone: 50

2.   Josh HANSEN – Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki: 42

3.   Justin BRAYTON – Muscle Milk / Toyota JGRMX Yamaha: 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: 21

LITES Top Ten Results – Round 1

1.    P J 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

8.    Luke GEORGE – Monster Energy Kawasaki: 12

9.    Luke STYKE – AXO / Oakley / Shark / Galvin Construction: 11

10.  Kirk GIBBS – Serco Yamaha:10

Michelin Development Series – Round 1

1.    Dylan LONG – KTM / Thor / Motorex / Michelin / One Industries: 25

2.    Jacob WRIGHT – Honda Jnr Development Team: 22

3.    Luke CLOUT – SS Racing / MX Rad / Pirelli / Fox / Link / Rockstar: 20

4.    Jake EMANUELLI – Doyle & Shields Yamaha Bairnsdale / Fox: 18

5.    Blake BLACKWELL (NSW) / Blackwell Bros Earthmoving / Demolition/Building: 16

6.    Corey JAMES – Helmet Warehouse / Trevor Jordan M-c / Kawasaki: 15

7.    Kurt WATERMAN – Spot On Racing / Bell / Troy Lee Designs / Dragon: 14

8.    Meghan RUTLEDGE – Moss Institute / Southern Highlands M-c: 12

9.    Tristen CACHIA – Loosekid / Rockstar / ABS Motorcycles / Scott / CTI: 11

10.  Joel WIGHTMAN: 10

Monster Energy Super X series schedule: