27 Jan 2012

With DNA Energy Drink / Jeff Ward racing’s Josh Grant on the sidelines rehabbing a shoulder injury sustained at Los Angeles SX round 3, Australia’s Cody Mackie is poised to step up for the opportunity of his lifetime. Mackie has been in the U.S. since Anaheim 1 contesting in the 450cc class of the AMA Supercross as a privateer aboard a stock bike coming close to qualifying on several occasions but will now get his big break at Oakland on a DNA Energy Drink / Jeff Ward Racing Kawasaki KX450.

“My partner Lucas (Mirtl) has been telling me about Cody (Mackie) from Australia who has been over here on his own dime, sleeping on couches, trying to make it and after watching him ride the last couple days on our bike I feel like this is a prime opportunity to give someone like Mackie a chance,” said Jeff Ward, co-owner of Jeff Ward Racing. “It’s unfortunate to have Grant on the sidelines right now but we want to make sure we don’t rush him back too soon and that he gets the proper treatment so he can come back strong.”

And in an ironic twist of fate, Mackie’s number in Australia is No. 33, which mirrors that of Grant’s. At Oakland, however, Mackie will be racing the DNA Energy Drink / Jeff Ward Racing / Kawasaki No. 333.