Image: Jeremy Hammer (Foremost Media).

A local upset is not off the cards for this weekend’s second edition of Sydney’s AUS-X Open according to defending Australian supercross champion Dan Reardon.

The CDR Yamaha rider told MotoOnline.com.au that the small floorspace of Qudos Bank Arena will play as an equaliser amongst the field, and he remains adamant that any of the series regulars, including himself, could upset the likely favourites of Chad Reed, Cooper Webb and Ryan Villopoto.

“It could definitely happen, it’s definitely not unlikely,” Reardon commented. “These indoor arenas, we don’t ride any of them anymore, so every time we come to one, we have that level playing field – there’s only so much you can fit into a small stadium. It’s very possible that the guys who have been riding the series so far including myself, could definitely upset it.”

“Chad and Cooper are probably a little bit more prepared than what they were last year, and RV, we haven’t seen him race for quite some time. We know what to expect from the guys who have been racing the series, it’s definitely going to be interesting and I’ve been looking forward to this round all week.”

In 2015 Reardon raced third on the opening night of the AUS-X Open, while he would lead majority of the main event the following day before an unlikely mistake saw him forced to salvage fifth. The popular Queenslander will endeavour to repeat his early form from last year, and explained that the presence of Reed, Webb and Villopoto could be beneficial in where finishes in the championship.

“I’m going to back myself against those guys any day, but for me, if I can have a weekend similar to what I did last year here, then for sure, they’re going to be very beneficial, but we still have two nights of racing,” he added.

Reardon currently sits fourth in the championship standings, 19 points behind series leader Justin Brayton.