Image: iKapture.

Jay Wilson is welcoming of the increased list of Americans in the SX2 category as he embarks on his title defence, believing his rating internationally will strengthen if he can successfully earn back-to-back championships.

The Australian Supercross Championship, which kicks off on Saturday at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, will see five US talents line-up in the quarter-litre division for the full five rounds.

The influx of internationals has fired up a selection of fans following team announcements, however the Yamalube Yamaha Racing rider, who will race the opening rounds of the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, is adamant that their addition will boost the domestic series despite adding another level of difficulty to his own campaign.

“Last year we entered the season with a whole new machine which we were trying to get to know, and it was a bit of a bonus to win the title,” Wilson explained. “After a whole year of continuity, our preparation is miles ahead of what it was last year.

“This year the field is really deep with SX2 talent – plenty of internationals – which I think is great for our series. It means that, if we win the title and race well against these guys, we’re on the map internationally too – which I think is a really great thing.

“My team and I have a good grasp of championships and I have complete trust in their advice, however it’s too early to be coming up with a real specific game plan just yet – we just do what we do.”

The list of Americans in the SX2 class includes Chris Blose (Penrite Honda Racing), Mitchell Oldenburg (Penrite Honda Racing), Jacob Hayes (Serco Yamaha), Josh Osby (Raceline Pirelli KTM), and Bradley Taft (Empire Kawasaki).