News 10 Jul 2024

AUSX Open 'in several discussions with US riders' to join Lawrences

American Supercross regulars expected to travel to Melbourne.

Image: Octopi Media.

Organisers of the AUSX Open Supercross are currently ‘in several discussions with US riders’ to take on the Lawrence brothers when they return home for the Marvel Stadium race this November 30, leveraging renowned consultant Eric Perronard to assist in attracting the sport’s top international talent to Melbourne.

Perronard – who was part of the AUSX Open’s original formation in 2015 – has reunited with the high-profile Australian event to form an integral piece of its anticipated reboot, named as motorsport and strategic advisor ahead of the 2024 edition.

The Florida-based Frenchman founded the US Open of Supercross at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas during the late ’90s and has been across an assortment of international races, including the Paris Supercross for the past three decades. His connections will prove instrumental in ensuring added American riders make the trip to Marvel during their short off-season, but it remains unclear who is on the radar at this time.

“Having Eric involved in the event, given the impact he provides from an international credibility point of view, is significant for the AUSX Open,” AUSX Open director Kelly Bailey told MotoOnline. “While our team is highly skilled and well-versed at running large scale professional supercross, Eric’s knowledge and long-standing relationships truly opens the doors for the procurement of international talent.

“Eric will be crucial in managing relationships with riders and teams to ensure the talent for the event is not just world-class, but the riders are well-looked after. Equally his influence with brands and the industry internationally will take the AUSX Open to another level – not just in 2024, but setting the event up for the future.

“Without unveiling what’s to come, I can confirm we are in several discussions with US riders who are keen to shake up the Lawrences’ homecoming party. The 2024 rider line-up will absolutely be the best Australian fans have ever had the chance to witness. It will be a night moto fans will not want to miss.”

AUSX Open – led by the team behind the Fox Australian Supercross Championship at AME Group – has brought out a number of Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450SX Championship winners in the past, including Australian icon Chad Reed in the later stages of his career, as well as Jason Anderson being a regular fixture, Cooper Webb prior to his premier class career taking off, Ryan Villopoto in a one-off appearance post-career, and Ricky Carmichael in an ambassador-type role.

The addition of Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence to the SX1 field will see him arrive home as the defending American Supercross champion, while elder brother Hunter Lawrence himself is currently in the fight for the AMA Pro Motocross 450MX Championship at halfway. Both are also in contention for the combined SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX), with Jett currently positioned second despite being out with injury, and Hunter climbing to fourth during the outdoors.

Recent