Anderson to hang up helmet at home Supercross race after 26-year career

Australian Supercross stalwart Craig Anderson will conclude a successful racing career spanning 26 years in the same town that it all started for him.

The final round of the Terex Australian Supercross Championships at Newcastle Showgrounds on November 17 will mark Anderson’s last ride, and an opportunity for local supporters to see off a humble and hard-working Champion.

Anderson holds 13 National titles and boasts a successful international career that has seen him compete in the German International Supercross Championship (1999, 2000 and 2002) and the coveted AMA Pro Motocross Championships (2003/2004).

The Australian was highly-competitive in the German International Supercross Championship finishing the series second (1999), fourth (2000) and third (2002) which earned him an invitation to race at the highest level in the USA.

Competing for Yamaha of Troy in the 250cc class, Anderson won the Southwick round of the series and finished seventh overall in his first year.

In 2004 he moved to the highly competitive Open class where he went head-to-head against his cousin, multiple AMA Champion Chad Reed and Supercross/Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael.

Anderson finished the season 15th before returning home to Australia.

He remains the only Australian male rider to win at the prestigious Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Motocross Championship event in the US, doing so at the tender age of 14.

His decision will see him step away as a rider but remain at the helm of his own Berry Sweet Lucas Oil Yamaha team where he will continue to create opportunities for young and up-coming riders.

He’ll also remain actively involved in holding riding schools and coaching clinics.

‘‘Everything started for me in Newcastle and it’s going to finish in Newcastle,’’ said Anderson.

‘I’ve been travelling every year since I was 14, so to get my race team up and running I needed to step aside and bring through some younger guys that I coach and get them going,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ll still do the vets championship, which is two rounds at the end of every year and keep practicing and riding with the boys having fun.

‘‘It won’t be about getting faster and fitter any more, just to have fun.

‘‘I still love riding, but for the competition side of it and trying to do my best, that’s pretty well gone now, so it’s time to concentrate on my race team and get the results that way.’’

The event will also mark the final time a home crowd can see Anderson go into battle against his cousin and fellow Newcastle Supercross sensation, Chad Reed.

Entertainment and attractions for fans will include freestyle motocross demonstrations, monster truck demonstrations, pit walk, the kids Throttle Jockey Arena for first-time dirt bike riders plus giveaways and trade stalls.