Image: Simon Cudby.

Australia’s greatest-ever Supercross racer Chad Reed has welcomed four-time American and world champion Ryan Villopoto to this year’s AUS-X Open in Sydney, unsure what to expect from his retired former rival.

Villopto, 27, was officially announced to be coming to Australia this morning in a landmark coup for the sport locally, racing for the first time since he retired from racing fulltime at the end of last season.

The last time we saw Villopoto race Supercross was during 2014 when he wrapped up a fourth-consecutive Monster Energy AMA Supercross crown, which bodes for uncertainty – even for Reed – entering the 12-13 November event.

“Last year’s AUS-X Open was an absolute blast,” two-time American champion Reed said. “I rated it as one of the top three events I’ve ever competed in, anywhere in the world. I’m expecting this year to be no different.

“This opportunity for the Australian fans is amazing. No country in the world has seen Ryan race a Supercross since his retirement, not even the States, so this will be incredibly special – I don’t even know what to expect!

“I have a lot of respect for Ryan and what he has achieved, so to be racing him again will be awesome. We had some intense battles over the years and the tight circuit inside Qudos Bank Arena, is without doubt going to lead to some bar-banging!”

Tickets for the 2016 AUS-X Open are now available at www.ticketek.com or further information can be found via www.ausxopen.com.