Carmichael & Webb IN for AUS-X Open

It’s been confirmed that Ricky Carmichael and Cooper Webb will be present at the highly anticipated AUS-X Open this weekend, taking place inside AllPhones Arena at Sydney Olympic Park in Homebush, November 28-29.

Carmichael has an astonishing 15 Pro titles to his name, including ten in motocross and five in supercross, while Webb is arguably one of the hottest young AMA talents on the block, having already won a raft of championships and races at the top level of international SX.

Carmichael will head Down Under to take part in a head-to-head match up with long time rival, Australia’s Chad Reed, in a unique one-on-one showdown that has been specially added to the event’s schedule. Carmichael’s attendance is a massive coup for the event.

“I’m pumped to be heading to Sydney to ride at the AUS-X Open in front of a packed out Aussie crowd, as well as alongside Australia’s greatest rider in Chad Reed,” stated Carmichael. “The track looks insane and the fans are going to be in for an awesome show. It will be really cool to be apart of it across both days. I’ll be trying to meet as many fans as possible on each night so make sure you head down and say g’day!”

Reed has hinted via social media that the one-on-one showdown may take place on board two-strokes. “It’s ten years too late but I am excited to get to spin some laps with the GOAT in Australia,” commented Reed via Instagram. “I’ve been busting his balls, begging him to ride a two-stroke with me for old times sake!”

Meanwhile, Webb will go head-to-head with Reed and Australia’s best SX riders at AllPhones Arena. Webb turned Pro in 2013 and since then has won several AMA Supercross events and was crowned the 2014 AMA Supercross Rookie Of The Year, before going on to dominate this year’s 250 Western Regional Supercross Championship, winning six of the series’ eight rounds. The 19-year-old from Newport, North Carolina, is relishing at the opportunity to take on the Aussie contingent.

“I’m pumped to be heading to Sydney this weekend to race against Chad and the rest of the Aussie riders, in what looks like an awesome stadium track set-up,” said Webb. “I’ve never travelled as far as Australia before so I’m looking forward to checking out the sights in Sydney, but more so putting on a huge show for the crowd and hopefully walking away with the trophy. It’s going to be hot in Sydney and the Aussie riders race hard, so expect some intense battles and bar banging this weekend!”

AUS-X Open management is still yet to receive any formal correspondence from James Stewart, his management or his team regarding his attendance this weekend, and are using all endeavours to ensure Stewart attends the AUS-X Open this weekend.

“We have fought long and hard on behalf of the fans to ensure James Stewart competes, or at the very least attends the AUS-X Open event this weekend,” stated Event Director, Adam Bailey. “We have had a binding contract with him since March to compete on November 28 and 29, but we have not formally heard from James Stewart, his management or his team since his accident in France. We are using all endeavours to ensure he honours his agreement and attends the AUS-X Open.”

Meanwhile, James posted an update via social media early this morning which reads: “Hey guys, just want to keep you all in the loop. As you probably all know, I went down in Paris and hurt my ankle a week or so ago. Nothing is broken but there’s some pretty good damage and after all the tests the doctor tells me I have a lot of work and rehab to go through in order to make the gate at A1. Needless to say, I’m pretty devastated … it seems my only luck has been bad luck lately. I’m bummed because the last thing I want to do is let down the fans, especially you all in Australia. Again I’m truly sorry and wish I had better news for all of us. I really appreciate all of your support.”

Required rehab will stop James from racing this weekend’s AUS-X Open, although it’s believed that he may still be present to sign autographs and fulfil contract commitments. Stay tuned for developments.

The AUS-X Open is set to be the greatest action sports spectacle Australia has ever seen, with free access to the pit paddock for all ticket holders found within the Monster Energy Pit Party, FMX demonstrations, DJs, fireworks, cheerleaders and of course, the supercross racing and FMX Best Trick competition, featuring the world’s best FMX riders. Riders will be battling for over $150,000 in prize money across the SX and FMX disciplines.

Tickets for Sunday’s event are available through Ticketek: www.ticketek.com.au

For more event information, visit: www.ausxopen.com