Dan Reardon will be hoping to find form tonight in New Zealand. Image: Sport The Library.

Cougar Bourbon Honda Thor Racing’s Dan Reardon will have to make tonight’s Auckland round of the Monster Energy Super X series count if he’s to stand a chance at the 2010 title.

The Queenslander entered the season as a title favourite after finishing second to Chad Reed last year, however after three rounds so far this year he sits fifth in the standings, 38 points off leader Josh Hansen.

“The change of format last round was unexpected and in the end I wasn’t able to get the result I needed,” explained Reardon, speaking of a last minute decision to make the round a ‘Survival’ format.

“I’m confident that I can make back some ground and be back to challenge for a podium this weekend.”

With this weekend featuring the Quad Challenge format consisting of four short series is races in succession, Reardon’s teammate Todd Waters is another hopeful of a good result tonight.

Waters acknowledged the importance of good starts in the shorter races and said he had been doing everything he could to prepare.

“I know I’ve got the fitness and pace for the shorter races but my starts let me down last time we raced this format,” said Waters.

“I’m feeling good on the bike and know that I can do a much better job this weekend in the first of our two New Zealand rounds.”

Waters currently sits seventh in the standings.

Cougar Bourbon Honda Thor Racing’s Lites class candidate Kade Mosig is also hoping to make progress after slipping from championship contention with a forgettable round in Launceston.

Mosig was caught out by the tough track and is focusing on regaining rhythm in his riding style this weekend.