Image: AUS-X Open.

Australian icon Chad Reed has conceded that the 2017 AUS-X Open could mark the final start of his phenomenal global supercross career after confirming his entry for this year’s event.

The 35-year-old hasn’t signed a deal to race-on in 2018 and, while he has every intention to continue for a 17th season in the US, it remains uncertain.

Reed has endured an up and down year with Yamaha in Monster Energy AMA Supercross, finishing ninth standings with a single podium of P2 in Phoenix to his credit. Although unlikely, he’s prepared to cap-off his career in Sydney if a deal isn’t finalised beforehand, which would be a fitting way to go out after dominating last year’s proceedings.

“Currently I don’t have a contract for the 2018 season,” Reed confirmed. “My intention is to continue racing, but if it’s not meant to be, I couldn’t think a better place to end my career than the AUS-X Open amongst my friends, family and fans.

“The Qudos Bank Arena hold’s so many fond memories for me – racing indoors in Sydney Olympic Park reminds me of where my career began before heading overseas full-time. To have been involved with the AUS-X Open since its inception has been an honour.

“The energy from the fans, the atmosphere, everything about it is unlike anything I’ve experienced. It’s an event I take very seriously and put a lot of pressure on myself to win – second place isn’t an option and 2017 will be no different.”

AUS-X Open director Adam Bailey said Reed was an instrumental part of the event and welcomed him back for a third-successive year of competition within Qudos Bank Arena on 11-12 November.

“Chad is without a doubt a hero, not only to supercross fans, but sports fans everywhere,” Bailey said. “What he has achieved and continues to achieve on the global stage, is nothing short of staggering. The fact that he’s supported the AUS-X Open since day one and has agreed to come back again this year to once again entertain thousands of fans in Sydney, is something that we are eternally grateful for.

“After two world championships, 44 world supercross race wins and 17 years of paving the way for young Australians, if the AUS-X Open were to be Chad’s final race, there’s no doubt that we will roll out the red carpet and ensure he receives a send-off that he and his legion of fans will never forget!”

To secure the best seats in the house, AUS-X Open organisers have released a pre-sale registration option, which ensures first preference of all seating on both nights of the event – click here to sign up.