MotoOnline.com.au recollects our favourite races to make an impact during the past year.

When we look back at the 2011 season, many of us will have moments in our memories that are cemented as some of the best we witnessed. Whether it’s through a standout win, a gutsy performance or an out of the ordinary occurrence, multiple races this year made their marks in history. Now, MotoOnline.com.au looks back at 10 of the best from the season just gone.

American Supercross – San Diego

When Chad Reed formed TwoTwo Motorsports with just minimal support from Honda, his ultimate plan was to win races and challenge for the title as a privateer. It took him just seven races to take his first win, held in tricky conditions at Qualcom Stadium. The W marked Reed’s sixth in San Diego, confirming his decision to form TwoTwo was the right one.

American Supercross – Las Vegas

With four riders – Chad Reed, Ryan Villopoto, James Stewart and Ryan Dungey – entering the final AMA SX round of the season in contention for the title, Las Vegas was the perfect conclusion to a historic season. In the end it was Reed’s race with his sweet custom Honda (finally on a factory bike!), but RV claimed his first championship. Dungey lost his title, while as for JS7, he crashed out. Again.

Australian Motocross – Coonabarabran

As a first timer on the MX Nationals calendar, Coonabarabran was a massive hit this year. At 2.9 kilometres long and featuring a unique blend of high-speed elevation changes with tighter technical sections, the track was a favourite for riders. While it wasn’t so flash for spectators, Jay Marmont marks it as the turning point of his title-winning season.

Australian Motocross – Coolum

It was the big decider and one that was always going to end in a story of triumph and disappointment. Jay Marmont made it title number four with another big win, but it was the first turn crash of Josh Coppins and Dean Ferris in moto three that was the ultimate title decider. Bring on 2012!

Australian Off-Road – Callington

Despite being the most successful rider in recent AORC history with two titles, Toby Price’s 2011 defence was dashed when he crashed out in South Australia. Chris Hollis ultimately went on to win the title, despite no wins this year.

Australian Supercross – Campbelltown

Jay Marmont’s performance in the Pro Open main event at Campbelltown was flawless, winning two of the three Triple Challenge finals and asserting himself as the title favourite in the process. A spectacular rhythm section jump that nobody else even tried put him in a clear class of his own. The night also marked Brenden Harrison’s first pro win in the Lites!

Australian Supercross – Wollongong

Mud races can often bring out the best in riders, but more often it shows off their worst as slick conditions can get the better of anyone on two wheels. That’s what made Matt Moss’ win in the Pro Lites class at WIN Stadium so impressive, because he was riding as though it was pretty much dry. With a convincing win, Mossy said it was one of his greatest ever.

American Motocross – Hangtown

With factory Honda support made official by the time the AMA Pro Motocross season kicked off, Chad Reed came out swinging with an epic overall win at Hangtown. Fit, confident and still the underdog, Reedy proved why he was outdoor champ in 2009. On his day, there’s no doubt that CRtwotwo can beat the best of ’em straight up.

American Motocross – Millville

With over three million official plays on the AmericanMotocross YouTube Channel, Chad Reed’s sky-high fall at Spring Creek made headlines worldwide. Unfortunately for Aussie fans, it took the wind out of our greatest ever’s sails after he dominated the opening part of the AMA Pro Motocross season. The miraculous thing was that he didn’t even get injured.

Motocross of Nations – St. Jean d’Angely

The Australian team of Chad Reed, Brett Metcalfe and Matt Moss scored our first ever MXoN podium with a sensational third behind USA and France. To top it off, Reed took a memorable moto one victory in the MX1/MX2 race.

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