Anderson to go it alone

Twelve-time Australian motocross and supercross champion Craig Anderson will leave Kawasaki at the end of 2009 to set up his own operation.

Anderson will form a partnership with West Australian Lee Redmond to compete under the 100% Racing banner in the 2010 Australian Motocross Championship and Super X, as well as other selected events.

Redmond, a former international speedway rider, has spent the past few years as owner-operator of the Redmond Motorsport/Berry Sweet Strawberries race team.

"I've wanted to do this for a few years now,” said Anderson.

“While it felt right in some ways there was always something holding me back, but this time I know it's the right thing.

“My knowledge and skills as a competitor and my first hand experience as a race promoter (he promoted a round of this year’s Aussie motocross title) makes the timing just perfect to link up with Lee as a fellow team owner.

"Lee’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and knows how to get the job done in a straight forward and enthusiastic manner.

"He's raced at a high level in speedway and was also a very competent motocross rider, so he has the experience to understand what we, as riders, go through.”

Anderson was fifth in this year’s Aussie motocross title, but by his usual lofty standards it was a disappointing year with only two visits to the podium in 21 races.

His last Aussie motocross championship was in 2006 on a Honda, but he has achieved most of his national successes on KTM and Yamaha machinery.

100% Racing hasn’t yet made an announcement on what brand it will be using in 2010, probably in deference to Anderson's current employer, Kawasaki, who he still has some unfinished business with in this year's Super X title, which kicks off in Launceston (Tas) on October 17.