Image: Foremost Media.

Raceline KTM Thor’s Josh Osby has described the 2019 Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne as one of the hardest nights of his career after losing the SX2 title in the Australian Supercross Championship.

The American’s bid for the crown started to unravel in his heat race, where he was forced to recover from a heavy crash on the opening lap, only just managing a transfer spot through to the triple crown main event.

Entering the night with a four-point advantage, Osby’s woes continued across the three mains, claiming fifth in race one before being demoted to seventh in race two following a three-position penalty for jumping on yellow flags.

It was main event three that sealed his fate when contact with another rider cracked the oil filler cap of his KTM 250 SX-F, which later led to a crash in the closing stages of the encounter, where finished in 12th position for seventh overall.

“Tonight was one of the hardest nights of my career,” Osby admitted. “I put myself in good positions like I have all season, but unfortunately it just didn’t work out.

“It seemed like nothing went my way from the beginning of the heat race on and although we tried, it wasn’t meant to be this time around. I want to thank the entire team – we came so close and they gave me everything I needed to get the job done. But that’s racing and hopefully I’ll be back for redemption next year.”

Osby closed out the season with runner-up honours, as compatriot Chris Blose (Penrite Honda Racing) put in a flawless night to claim the title.