Image: Simon Makker (Makkreative).

For the first time since 2006, supercross will return to Sydney in emphatic fashion with the inaugural Australian Open of Supercross (AUS-X Open) event, set to launch at Allphones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park this year on 28 November.

The AUS-X Open event will be the biggest action sports competition in the Southern Hemisphere, combining an international supercross racing event with a freestyle motocross (FMX) ‘Best Trick’ competition, that will feature some of the world’s best riders up against Australia’s best talent.

FMX Best Trick has been notably absent from international competition, since being controversially removed from the X Games in 2013. Three-time X Games medalist and renowned Australian hero Cam Sinclair is a firm believer in the format and its role in revolutionising action sports.

“FMX Best Trick is the ultimate opportunity to showcase innovation, creativity and courage,” Sinclair said. “Having such a high profile event to re-ignite the evolution of FMX is really exciting. Being so close to the city in our own backyard in Sydney will be epic!”

The event will be constructed and managed through the experienced hands of AME Management, whose background in major events across a variety of motorsports platforms, media and video production, will ensure an absolute premium level of entertainment and competition for action sports fans.

“Indoor supercross and freestyle motocross (FMX), is the ultimate combination of premium entertainment and action sports competition,” said AME Management director Adam Bailey. “We’re extremely excited to be bringing some of the world’s best riders to Sydney, for what will be one of the most intense, action-sports events in our country’s history.

“The plan is without a doubt to create an event that the incredible loyal fans of supercross and FMX can be proud of, whilst doing so in an environment and with entertainment elements that will captivate complete newcomers to the sport.”

The AUS-X Open will also feature pyrotechnics, light and sound, and all competition indoors in the comfort of Allphones Arena, with a pit paddock area accessible on the outside of the arena for accredited fans to get up close and personal with their heroes.

Championship points for the 2015 Australian Supercross Championship will also be awarded to competitors, ensuring the very best teams Australasia has to offer, will be in attendance as part of their national series.

In a major cue for Australian Supercross, the event has secured major support from NSW tourism body, Destination NSW. NSW deputy premier and minister for tourism and major events Troy Grant said the event would be a massive boost to the region.

“I am pleased to announce this Australian first event has been secured for NSW through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW,” Mr Grant said. “It is estimated that the AUS-X Open will contribute $1.8 million to the NSW economy in visitor expenditure.

“The AUS-X Open promises to be an action sports extravaganza showcasing the world’s best motorcycle riders racing and performing tricks like never before. It will attract visitors from all over the world to NSW, as well as being broadcast to approximately 139 countries through an international media TV network.

“This announcement shows yet again the NSW Government’s commitment to securing major events for our State, in pursuit of our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to NSW by 2020.”

Destination NSW chief executive officer Sandra Chipchase said the event is one of a kind for both NSW and Australia.

“The Australian Open of Supercross brings spectacular action-sport to Sydney, combining world-class Supercross racing with the awe-inspiring tricks and stunts of freestyle motocross competition,” she said. “It will have something for motorsport lovers of all types and ages and I encourage everyone to make the trip to Sydney in November to be a part of the action.”

Tickets will be available through Ticketek in May 2015, with international rider announcements and further information to follow in April.