Image: Octopi Media.

Supercross icon Chad Reed will headline the official AUSX Street Party leading into Townsville’s opening round of the 2026 Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship, where a Holeshot Challenge will take the sport into the city’s streets.

Reed has been named ambassador of the Australian-first Holeshot Challenge – which has featured in the US at multiple SMX events this season – and will be behind the gates on Friday, October 2, in Queensland.

The free event will see Reed join fellow supercross riders in going head-to-head on Palmer Street as part of the inaugural AUSX Street Party. The two-time Monster Energy Supercross champion will then feature as part of AUSX across the entire weekend.

“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,” Reed commented. “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.”

AUSX Supercross CEO Adam Bailey added: “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 number 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.”

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