American riders could still contest Super X races in 2011 despite the series being scaled down. Image: Sport The Library.

Australasian Supercross Championship promoter Global Action Sports isn’t turning its back on the international flavour it has aimed for during the first three seasons of Super X from 2008-2010.

GAS yesterday announced a scaled down five-round series for 2011, set to run over five consecutive weekends after the season opener at Melbourne Knights Stadium on 22 October.

A positive for Australian fans is that GAS has revealed to MotoOnline.com.au that they are in discussions to once again bring over American visitors during the series, however none are confirmed at this stage.

“We are in negotiations with some, however we are unable to confirm any until their U.S. season and deals are wrapped up,” GAS’s PR manager Jaime Mortimer confirmed to MotoOnline.

American Josh Hansen is the current Super X champion after dominating much of last season, and he’s made it clear that he’s interested in returning to defend his title.

Since its launch in 2008, Super X has featured a host of U.S. riders including Hansen, Kevin Windham, Justin Brayton, Mike Alessi, Davi Millsaps, Josh Grant, Jeremy McGrath and Aussie regular PJ Larsen.

It’s not expected that Australian hero Chad Reed will contest the entire series after his partnership with GAS concluded last season, however fellow AMA-based Australian Brett Metcalfe has admitted he’d be interested in competing if the right deal was on the table.

Queenslander Michael Byrne, who has been in the U.S. for over 10 years, recently told MotoOnline.com.au that he would consider racing Super X depending on what rides are available for the series.

AMA rookie Tye Simmonds could also be a contender for Super X, with his Australian-owned JDR Motorsports KTM team fielding factory-supported efforts both in Australia and the U.S.

The opening round in Victoria takes place exactly one week following the highly anticipated Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas.

The series will remain on the East Coast of Australia for this season, however a representative from GAS confirmed to MotoOnline.com.au that a return to New Zealand hasn’t been completely ruled out for the future.

GAS will monitor the growth of the sport before considering its expansion, which could include returning to NZ and once again making it a truly Australasian series.

South Australia and Western Australia had been axed in recent years, with Tasmania and the ACT now joining them on the list of areas that Super X will no longer visit at least for this year.

Stay tuned for further information on the series as we get it over the coming weeks.

In case you missed it yesterday, here’s the schedule for Monster Energy Super X 2011: