Source: Supplied.

The foot surgery that has forced Jason Anderson out of the final Lucas Oil Pro Motocross rounds won’t affect his scheduled 2017 AUS-X Open appearance, still committed to come to Sydney for the 11-12 November event.

Anderson confirmed last week that he was undergoing a season-ending operation to have hardware removed from his foot, however the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider has since confirmed that he will be recovered in time for the annual AUS-X Open.

With the high-profile Australian event being staged a month following the Monster Energy Cup and just eight weeks out from Anaheim’s opening round of the 2018 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series, pre-season testing preparations will be beginning to peak during November.

“We’ve been in contact with Jason the whole time and have always known he’s still coming,” commented AUS-X Open event director Adam Bailey. “One of the challenges we have as an international event is that those world championship guys have a huge commitment, which is why getting them down to AUS-X Open is such a big deal. It isn’t just about money – it’s about timing in their preparation, testing and also wanting to come to Sydney for the experience.

“It’s important to work in with their schedules. The good ones like Chad [Reed], Cooper [Webb] last year and Jason in this case, they use it as part of their testing. It’s proper race practice that they can use for next season, as opposed to just coming out for a one-off event. Last year the internationals brought their actual race bikes and it was a productive weekend.

“There’s always the risk of them being injured the week before or even in practice, but that’s just the sport we’re in – it’s part of it. Luckily for us, Jason’s a super-cool guy and really wants to come to Australia. His team and Husqvarna Australia have been really supportive in making it happen, so we’re really appreciative of that.”

In its third running on 11-12 November at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, Anderson will make his highly-anticipated Australian debut alongside local favourite Reed, countryman Josh Grant and the top-level Australian Supercross Championship regulars. Ricky Carmichael and Robbie Maddison have also been confirmed to be attending, with more major announcements due to come, with tickets are available now through Ticketek.