Racing: Reardon pips Reed in a cliff-hanger

Daniel Reardon (Woodstock Honda Thor Racing) has claimed round three of the Monster Energy Super X at Perth's Burswood Dome after a titanic battle with defending champion Chad Reed (Monster Energy Kawasaki).

Reardon engineered the perfect start in the 10-lap final, and then held his nerve to hold off the challenge from Reed to win by 0.6secs.

Reardon now leads the 450cc class by 2pts (69 to 67) over Reed, followed by Jay Marmont (CDR Yamaha, 63), Tye Simmonds (Motorex KTM, 52) and Cheyne Boyd (CDR Yamaha, 48).

"I am so pumped about the win and it was a lot of fun racing tonight. It was a great track and a great venue and I felt really good on the bike," said Reardon.

The Perth round saw the debut of a new final format, the Round Robin, which pitted riders against each other in three different five-lap heat races. The top 12 from those races then progressed to a 10-lap showpiece.

In the finale, Rockstar Honda Maxima's Michael Byrne, who had been lightning fast in the heats, came undone in the tricky whoops section and was unable to finish, which left the way open for Marmont to take third ahead of Boyd and Simmonds.

The 250cc class riders were tested on the technical track - all those except Matt Moss (Rockstar Motul Suzuki) perhaps. The New South Welshman was again a one-man juggernaut, and his blitz saw him run out a six-second winner over privateer Lawson Bopping (Suzuki) and American Kyle Cunningham (Serco Yamaha).

The new fuel injected Suzuki RM-Z250 is easily the best bike I've ever ridden," said Moss. "I've only had it for three rounds, but it just keeps getting better and better.

"Today was a great result. After I got the holeshot I built up a lead and then did what I had to do to win the race. It's certainly easier when you've got the best bike out there underneath you."

The Monster Energy Super X will now make its way to Canberra for the fourth round on Saturday November 7.  

CURRENT STANDINGS (after three of seven rounds):
450cc
1    Dan Reardon    Woodstock Thor Honda    69
2    Chad Reed    Monster Energy Kawasaki     67
3    Jay Marmont    CDR Yamaha    63
4    Tye Simmonds    Motorex KTM    52
5    Cheyne Boyd     CDR Yamaha    48
6    Cody Mackie    Kawasaki Racing     44
7    Daniel McCoy    Coastal KTM    40
8    Cameron Taylor    SP Motorsports Suzuki    36
9    Craig Anderson    Kawasaki Racing    36
10    Troy Carroll    Cool Air Conditioning Kawasaki    31

250cc
1    Matt Moss    Shift Motul Suzuki    75
2    Kyle Cunningham    Serco Yamaha    60
3    Lawson Bopping    Privateer Suzuki    58
4    Ryan Marmont    MX Rad    53
5    Adam Monea    Privateer Suzuki    44
6    Brendan Harrison    Privateer Yamaha    43
7    Kirk Gibbs    Privateer Yamaha    43
8    Lewis Woods    Privateer Kawasaki    35
9    Danny Anderson    Coastal KTM    32
8    Mitch Austin    Coastal KTM    32