Image: Simon Cudby.

The first eight riders have been confirmed to compete in Red Bull Straight Rhythm, including South Australian Brett Metcalfe, fresh from finishing fourth in the American Pro Motocross Championship.

The eight names are just the first of 32 riders that will compete in the innovative, head-to-head motocross competition on Saturday, 4 October, at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California.

Alongside Metcalfe, action sports icon Travis Pastrana, James Stewart, Ryan Dungey, Josh Hansen, Josh Hill, Cole Seely and Dean Wilson have all been confirmed for the event’s Open Class.

“I think I can safely speak for the entire group of riders in saying how excited I am about the opportunity to compete in this man-against-man, win-or-go-home situation,” said Stewart. “Straight Rhythm is a fresh take on the traditional format, and the fact that it’s bringing out guys like Travis says what a truly unique opportunity it is.”

The inaugural event will feature 32-riders facing off in a bracketed single-elimination format, racing head-to-head on a 1/2 mile-long ‘unwound’ track.

The balance of participating riders will be announced in the weeks to come.