Source: Supplied.

The 2014 Penrite Australian Supercross Championship will see the premier 450 class field a robust rider line-up stacked with experienced campaigners and emerging new talent.

While defending champion Team Motul Suzuki rider Matt Moss fresh from representing Australia at the Motocross of Nations, is being tipped as a championship favourite, the calibre of talent in the 450 class will ensure a closely fought fight to the final round of the series.

KTM rider Kirk Gibbs, who finished runner-up to Moss in the recent MX Nationals, will be aiming to thwart the New South Welshman’s title defence.

“I am really looking forward to the start of the supercross season,” Gibbs said. “I am a lot better prepared than I was last year. In 2013 we had a really short turn around following motocross, it was my first year on the 450 and I carried an injury into the opening round which wasn’t ideal.

“This year I am 100 percent healthy and a lot more comfortable with my speed, preparation and the bike.
 There are a lot of guys in the 450 class who are all within half a second of each other so I think overall success will come down to starts and consistency.”

After missing the 2012 and 2013 supercross seasons due to injury, NPS Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Adam Monea is fully fit and hungry for results.

Monea, who finished fourth in the MX Nationals MX1 class, said he was happy with his progress ahead of the Bathurst season opener on 10 October.

“I was sidelined last year and the year before with injury so the plan is to finish each race and get through a complete supercross season,” Monea explained.

“My motocross season started really well, I was on the podium and winning races then I had a bit of slump. I did learned a lot though that period and I am feeling fit and healthy. I am looking forward to Bathurst, hopefully we will get good crowds and see some fresh faces in the pits.”

South Australia’s Josh Cachia is a man on a mission, the 22-year-old will step up to the premier class with new team Berry Sweet Husqvarna.
 Riding the FE 350 Cachia said he is looking forward to the challenge.

“It will be a step up but change is good and I like to challenge myself,” Cachia said. 

“I am feeling great and I am excited to be riding the FE 350 for Berry Sweet Husqvarna.

“I have spent the last two weeks testing the bike and being that bit lighter it is going to be great for supercross where the tracks are tighter.”

The opening rounds of the 2014 Australian Supercross Championship will be held at Bathurst Showground on 10-11 October.

With the Australian Supercross racing kicking off at 7:00pm, fans will be able to enjoy a full day at Mount Panorama before heading to town for an evening of family entertainment, world class supercross racing, and freestyle motocross.

For further information or to purchase tickets visit www.australiansupercross.com.au.

Australian Supercross 450 class entry list:
1. Matt Moss
2. Jay Marmont
3. Adam Monea
4. Kirk Gibbs
5. Jake Moss
6. Josh Cachia
7. Justin Carafa
8. Caleb Gasbarr
9. Julian Craeye
10.Chris Camilleri
11. Kade Mosig
12. Keith Tucker
13. Daniel Mccoy
14. Lawson Bopping
15. Kieren Tisdale
16. Joel Newton
17. Jesse Dobson
18 Tim Vare
19. Sam Martin