Hansen (25) went head-to-head with Reed (1) at Newcastle to claim second overall. Image: Sport The Library.

American Josh Hansen stunned onlookers with a superb podium performance at lats weekend’s Monster Energy Super X season opener at Newcastle in New South Wales, stoked that he was able to take second place on debut despite having just limited time on an Open class bike in the lead-up to the event.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Hansen was quick all night at Energy Australia Stadium, his highlight coming when he beat Chad Reed head-to-head in the one-lap Elimination Challenge during the night.

“I wanted to come out and be on the podium so I’m happy,” Hansen, who won a round of the AMA Lites title this year, commented.

“I’ve been off the bike for a month and a half so I’m stoked to get this first race out of the way with a podium. From here I’ll move forward, get more in shape and get through this jet lag.

“I’m looking forward to Canberra. Getting some more riding under my belt is really going to help. I’m just going to keep smart and do my job so I can fulfill my goals when I get back to the States.”

Hansen will look to add to his Monster Energy SuperX silverware at the second round of the series at Canberra this Saturday, 23 October.