JDR Motorex KTM's Dan Reardon rode the 450 SX-F to second in Wollongong. Image: Rice Photography.

JDR Motorex KTM’s Dan Reardon has revealed that he didn’t realise that he was in the race for victory with Daniel McCoy in the closing laps of the Monster Energy Super X main event at Wollongong on Saturday night.

Reardon closed in on eventual winner McCoy at the mid-way point and challenged for victory, however his attempt at taking over the lead was derailed when he was caught up with a lapped rider on the treacherous mud-filled track.

Nevertheless, the Queenslander admitted later that he thought the battle was for third, not the round win in the single 15-lap main event.

“It was looking promising to start the day with nice weather and the track seemed pretty good,” Reardon reflected. “The heavens opened for the main event, but to get the overall result of second was good.

“I actually thought I was fourth when I crossed the finish, so to get back on the podium is good for me. It’s just a case of taking baby steps, but it’s a short series and I have to make every round count.”

With the result, former Australian champion Reardon now sits third in the standings, just seven points off Suzuki’s McCoy.

Teammate and round one winner Tye Simmonds remains in title contention after finishing sixth in Wollongong, now just one point off the series lead in second overall.

Hometown favourite Ryan Marmont was 11th after experiencing difficult luck during the evening.