Motocross and Supercross are big news in America. It can be argued that the American professional racing series are the toughest in the world and feature the most talented riders. So it’s easy for someone who follows the sport in the U.S. to forget that there are very talented racers in other parts of the world—and as soon as you do, one of them will show up here and eat your lunch.

That’s what one of the newest faces on the Torco Racing Fuels Honda squad and a new face to American riders and fans alike is hoping to do. His name is Daniel Reardon, and he comes to America with absolutely flawless credentials: four national championships in his native Australia (three Supercross, one Motocross). By any measure he’s at the top of his game, and he’s sure to be an instant championship threat.

Reardon, age 22, has been the subject of much speculation. “Dan is the complete package, a very talented rider who has the discipline and work ethic to rise to the top of motocross racing in America,” said Rick Zielfelder, co-owner of the Torco Racing Fuels Honda team. “He is accustomed to a well-developed support program, and we’ve got a great program, made even better with American Honda’s support.”

Reardon is riding a Honda CRF250R in the Supercross and Motocross Lites classes here. “I think the bike is really good,” said Reardon. “I was immediately comfortable on it, and that’s great for a rider’s confidence. I’m impressed with the way everything on the bike works.”

For evidence of his determination, fans need look no further than Reardon’s last moto of the Australian Motocross Championship, where he took the lead at the halfway point and never looked back—though he didn’t need to win the race to take the title.

“To go out on a high in your home state like that is awesome. My ultimate goal for 2007 was to win both the Australian Supercross and Motocross titles, and I did it.”

Reardon began his racing career in his hometown of Logan Village in Queensland, Australia, at the age of five. From day one his parents Tony and Annette urged him to enjoy his racing, and Reardon embraced the social aspects of riding and racing in his early years. He emerged into his full potential in 2004 when he finished runner-up in the Pro Lites class of the Supercross series. Motivated by winning races and a determination to pursue a full-time racing career, Reardon took his success one step higher the following season and won the 2005 Australian Supercross Championship. In 2006, he competed at the factory level in the 450cc Pro Open class in both Supercross and Motocross, winning the Supercross title for the second time and finishing just one point shy of the Motocross crown. With both 2007 titles securely under his belt, 2008 has the makings of Reardon’s finest year.

“Coming to the States to race is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. It’s great to finally be here and be on a Honda CRF250R on the Torco Racing Fuels Honda team, so I’m pumped. I’m looking forward to some good years of racing over here.”

Reardon began studying American tracks long before joining the fray in 2008. “Where I live in Australia is all hard pack, so I’m used to it. I don’t think I have a favorite kind of track. I look forward to things being mixed up. So if there’s a sand track one weekend, you know, I’m pumped to get there. I don’t have an actual favorite track or favorite soil.”

Is this a year for Reardon to learn the ropes and the tracks, and prepare for an all-out assault in 2009? “No way. I’m going for it—I’m just going to go there and do what I can do. There are definitely a lot of fast guys out there. I’m going to give it all I’ve got. The tracks and venues look really good. Being on a Honda is awesome. So I plan to get out there and give it a hundred percent.”

What are Reardon’s biggest difficulties in the States? “Probably the fact that I’m new, that I don’t know the tracks. And then there’s driving on the other side of the road. I’ve run a lot of stop signs, and I turn up a lot of the wrong streets. It’s coming together, but there are days that are a bit shady.”

Plucky kid from Down Under who’s about to get a taste of the big leagues? Or a relatively unknown racer on these shores who’s about to give some American riders a surprise? When that starter’s flag drops, there’s one thing that’s a sure bet: Every eye in the house is going to be on Torco Racing Fuels Honda team rider Dan Reardon.