Image: Simon Cudby.

Australia’s greatest of all time Chad Reed will make a welcome return to the 2018 Monster Energy AUS-X Open in Sydney on 10 November, aiming to reclaim the prestigious crown that he won in 2015 and 2016.

Reed, 36, was forced to sit out last year’s event won by newly-crowned AMA champion Jason Anderson, now aiming to take back the title ahead of his home fans when the pair face-off at Qudos Bank Arena.

“I’m so pumped to take on the current world champ in my backyard on November 10,” Reed said. “Last year was extremely tough, to sit on the sidelines at Qudos Bank Arena and watching the first international rider take the trophy that I worked so hard for to win, the previous two years, it sucked.

“The reception and support I still got from 26,500 fans last year, despite the fact that I was out with injury, meant there was no question I would be back this year and I’m gonna give it everything to return to AUS-X Open crown to where it rightly belongs – in my trophy cabinet.

“Jason is the best in the world right now, I’m under no illusions, I’m gonna have to bring everything I’ve got to beat him in Sydney, as well as the other line-up of riders from the USA and Australia. It will be the most competitive supercross event Sydney has ever seen.”

Dual AMA champion Reed finished 13th in this year’s 450SX championship aboard a privateer Husqvarna with minimal preparation due to injury, aiming to use the AUS-X Open as a platform for his preparation ahead of 2019. For further information head to www.ausxopen.com.au.