Image: Simon Cudby.

Star Racing Yamaha’s Cooper Webb has been named a late inclusion for this weekend’s AUS-X Open round of the Australian Supercross Championship at Sydney’s Allphones Arena on 28-29 November.

North Carolina native Webb will jet to Australia this week to the delight of his local fan base in Australia, the 20-year-old taking on Chad Reed and our domestic best during the two-event schedule.

“I’m pumped to be heading to Sydney this weekend to race against Chad and the rest of the Aussie riders, in what looks like an awesome stadium track set up,” commented Webb. “I’ve never travelled as far as Australia before, so I’m looking forward to checking out the sights in Sydney, but more so putting on a huge show for the crowd and hopefully walking away with the winner’s trophy. It’s going to be hot in Sydney and the Aussie riders race hard, so expect some intense battles and bar-banging this weekend!”

Source: Supplied.

It’s also been announced that the motocross’ GOAT’ Ricky Carmichael will make a special appearance, lining up on an RM-Z450 head-to-head against former arch-nemesis Australia’s Chad Reed in a unique showdown added to the event’s program.

“I’m pumped to be heading to Sydney to ride at the AUS-X Open in front of a packed out Aussie crowd, as well as alongside Australia’s greatest rider in Chad Reed,” stated Carmichael. “The track looks insane and the fans are going to be in for an awesome show. It will be really cool to be apart of it across both days. I’ll be trying to meet as many fans as possible on each night so make sure you head down and say g’day!”

The ongoing saga surrounding James Stewart is yet to be solved, with AUS-X Open organisers still yet to receive any formal correspondence from James Stewart, his management or his team regarding his attendance this weekend and are using all endeavours to ensure Stewart attends.

“We have fought long and hard on behalf of the fans to ensure James Stewart competes or at the very least attends the AUS-X Open Event this weekend,” said event director Adam Baily. “We have had a binding contract with him since March to compete on November 28 and 29, but not formally heard from James Stewart, his management or his team since his accident in France. We are using all endeavours to ensure he honours his agreement and attends the AUS-X Open.”

After a complete sell-out for Saturday’s 28 November event, a second AUS-X Open event was announced for Sunday, 29 November. A complete replica of night one, this second opportunity offers fans who missed out on the chance of a lifetime to see the world’s best supercross and FMX athletes go head to head in one of Australia’s premier indoor venues. Tickets are available through Ticketek.