Matt Moss recently clinched the MX1 title in the MX Nationals. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

New Australian MX1 Motocross Champion Matt Moss believes his main competition for the 2013 Terex Australian Supercross Championship will come from a local, rather than American imports Josh Hill and Weston Peick.

Triple Australian Supercross Lites Champion Moss, now 25, has his sights fixed on winning his first Pro Open title this season. Within that goal comes the challenge of dislodging two-time defending champion Jay Marmont.

Hill and Peick have stolen much of the spotlight in the lead-up to this weekend’s season-opener in Darwin, however Moss is relying on history to cement his case at this point. And with that in mind, Moss’ preference is to see the major factory seats filled by Australians.

“I am more concerned with the local guys,” Moss admitted in an interview on the official Australian Supercross website. “Every year they bring in guys from America and they rarely take home the titles. Gavin Faith won last year, but the year before I don’t think he beat me in one race.

“It’s easy to snatch a rider from the US that isn’t killing it over there. I think an average American racer is no better than the guys over here. I think we would be better off keeping our money in Australia.”

Moss has previously spent two full seasons in the US during 2010 and 2012, finishing on the podium at San Diego last season. Despite turning his back on a full time return to the AMA, he has plans to contest a part-time schedule next season.

“I will definitely have another crack,” he added. “I am not going to go over and race a full series. Next year my goal is to race three or four rounds, but I definitely don’t want to live and race in America.”

Like many, Moss has had limited preparation in the lead-up to his Supercross campaign, wrapping up the MX Nationals just a fortnight ago at Coolum in Queensland. Still, he’s in a buoyant mood entering this weekend’s double-header.

“I am obviously feeling confident,” Moss explained. “With that said, my preparation hasn’t been the best leading into this Supercross season. I have only had about a week on the bike, so that makes it hard to be fully prepared for racing. Everyone is pretty much in the same boat, so it should be good.”

Moss was sidelined at last year’s opening round of the Australian Supercross Championship, suffering a shoulder injury that ruled him out of all four rounds.