Fluid PR press release:

Australia’s Chad Reed is within striking distance of championship rival James Stewart as the 17-round Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship battle comes to a close this weekend.

Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium will host one of the most eagerly-anticipated finals showdowns in the sport’s history.

The stakes are high for both contenders. Reed, the defending AMA/World Champion, is six points off the lead, and will need to be at the top of his game to topple Stewart.

The New South Welshman’s season has been a picture of consistency, only finishing off the Main Event podium once in the past 16 rounds.

From the moment the gates dropped at Anaheim’s season opener in January, it has been a two-rider race for championship honours.

The battle reached boiling point last weekend as an errant block by Stewart’s lapped teammate halted Reed’s momentum, forcing him to settle for second place. The FIM have since disqualified the rider in question and banned him from competing in the final round.

Reed said he was looking forward to a no-holds-barred fight to the finish line on Saturday night.

“I’m feeling good about the weekend. I know I’ve given this season everything and I am satisfied with that,” said Reed.

“It’s been a rewarding experience, being part of the team has changed me, not only as a rider but also as a person.

“I’ve had a few things go against me this season but I’m not willing to use them as an excuse.

“I’ve kept close to James from start to finish and I expect that this Saturday’s Main Event will again be very intense.

“It would be a dream to win a championship in my debut season with Rockstar Makita Suzuki. I feel like I’ve learned so much from these guys – they have been great role models to me.”

Reed is placed second (351), currently 6 points behind Stewart (357). There are 25 points on offer for the Main Event win.

AMA Supercross Class Season Standings

1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 357
2. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki, 351
3. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 257
4. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 223
5. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda, 218
6. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 210
7. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 208
8. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 208
9. Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki, 203
10. Josh Hill, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha, 146