Supercross: World's best racers battle it out at the U.

Ose, Stewart, Reed and Villapoto are far from the only athletes to keep an eye on.

Tour rookie Josh Grant won the first race of the 2009 season in Anaheim, Calif., back on January 3 and is currently fourth in the standings with 208 points. Andrew Short, riding a strong season with 14 top-10 finishes in 15 races, is third overall, with 241 points.

The real race, though, is between Stewart and Reed, as usual.

The big boys riding their four-stroke, 450cc engines will not be the only racers taking to the specially designed course, though.

The Supercross Lites features less powerful bikes for athletes either new to the series — such as South Jordan teenager Landen Powell — or just making their way up the charts. Riding bikes with a max 250cc powerhouse, the competitors in the Lites class race the same courses but a little slower and without quite as much big air.

They provide just as many thrills, though. Stewart, only a few seasons ago, raced in the Lites division and is a two-time winner in Salt Lake City when competing there.

Ryan Dungey leads the Lites season race with 160 points, but Rupert, Idaho's Jake Weimer is not far behind with 151 points, while Ryan Morais is also within shouting distance at 146 points. The final two races of the Lites season will see some furious battles between the three as they fight for points.

Having the event return to Utah after its five-year absence is seen as a feather in the state's action-sports cap.

"Having … Supercross back at Rice-Eccles Stadium is another major accomplishment for us," Utah Sports Commission Chief Executive Officer Jeff Robbins said, "as we continue to establish Utah as one of the top action and extreme sport destinations in the world."

Gates open Saturday at 12:30 p.m., when qualifying rounds begin ripping the dirt. The evening session and main event races begin at 7 p.m.

If you go

Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium

When: Saturday, April 25, 2009

Main event starts: 7:00 p.m.

Doors open/qualifying: 12:30 p.m.

TICKET PRICES

Gold Circle: $40 adults and kids

Mid-level: $20 adults, $10 kids

Treadhead: $10 adults and kids

Tickets available at the Rice-Eccles Stadium Box Office, online at www.utahtickets.com, or charge by phone at 801-581-UTIX.

E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com