Just minutes after announcing an Australian-first Supercross street takeover and Holeshot Challenge in Townsville, AUSX has revealed the legend who will headline it — Chad Reed.

Australia’s most successful Supercross export will return to the bike on Friday, 2 October, lining up against fellow Supercross riders in the inaugural AUSX Holeshot Challenge on Palmer Street as part of the free AUSX Street Party.

Reed has also been named an official Townsville Ambassador for the 2026 Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Season Opener presented by Monster Energy, extending his involvement across the entire opening weekend.

And for Townsville fans, it means a rare opportunity to see the famous #22 back behind the gates, up close, in the heart of the city and completely free.

Born in Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Reed went on to become one of the defining riders of the modern Supercross era, building a career that includes 44 premier-class AMA Supercross victories, two AMA Supercross Championships and a record 132 premier-class podiums.

His involvement in Townsville will extend beyond the Holeshot Challenge, with Reed set to meet fans through autograph signings across Friday and Saturday, take part in live Q&As and appearances, feature in corporate hospitality and join broadcast coverage around the Season Opener.

A long-time supporter of AUSX and Australian Supercross, Reed will use the ambassador role to help celebrate the Championship’s return and see the 2026 season kick off in style.
On Friday, however, there’s also unfinished business on the bike.

The newly announced Holeshot Challenge will transform Palmer Street into a purpose-built dirt racing strip, stripping Supercross racing back to one of its most explosive elements — the battle out of the gates.

Reed will line up alongside other Supercross riders for the head-to-head challenge, putting reaction time, acceleration and bragging rights on the line just metres from fans.

Quotes attributable to Chad Reed:

“I’ve always been a big supporter of AUSX and what they’re doing for Supercross in Australia, so I’m excited to get up to Townsville and be part of the Season Opener.

“It’s great to see the Championship continuing to grow and doing something different to kick off the season. Taking Supercross into the heart of the city on Friday is going to be a lot of fun for the riders and the fans.

“I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike for the Holeshot Challenge, having a bit of fun and getting amongst the fans on Palmer Street.

“Then Saturday it’s all about seeing the 2026 AUSX season kick off in style at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. It should be a huge weekend for Supercross in Townsville.”

Quotes attributable to AUSX Supercross CEO Adam Bailey:

“Chad Reed is Australian Supercross royalty and has always been a great supporter of AUSX and the continued growth of Supercross in Australia.

“To have Chad in Townsville supporting our Season Opener is huge, but having the #22 put the helmet back on and line up for the Holeshot Challenge makes Friday even more special.

“Chad has achieved just about everything there is to achieve in this sport, and Australian fans still have an incredible connection with him. Giving people the opportunity to see him back on the bike, metres away on Palmer Street, is going to be a pretty special moment.

“The whole weekend is about celebrating Supercross and starting the 2026 Championship in style. Friday we take the sport into the city and have some fun with the fans, then Saturday we head to Queensland Country Bank Stadium and let the racing begin.”