I think its got alot to do with the WFC, Australias economy is alot better then alot of other countrys at the moment, add to that the strong aussie dollar, nice people and being a beautiful country, they would have to be crazy not to want to come out here.

From a fans perspective is even better, to be able to see some of the best MXers in the world racing in your own backyard, and seeing the top aussie guys have someone else on a world scale to battle against

I thinks its awsome for the sport. When I was in the states and went to a few local pro races alot the guys said that they think the majority of our junior (under 19's) riders are faster than most of the americans youngsters over there just from the videos they have seen on the net. With alot of professional riders such as reed etc going over and winning, Australia is well and truely on the motocross radar world wide now. Hopefully this leads to bigger and better tracks, better racing to watch and maybe South Australia wont get robbed of SX and MX (just had to chuck that in there) LOL

To me I think it's awesome to see all the guys here and it's cool that this site means I'm lucky enough to meet and interview them, but Australia is in a really tricky place right now when it comes to teams selecting riders I reckon. I remember when I raced AMA Superbike for Honda some privateers over there would give us shit for taking the American's rides, but that's just the way it goes worldwide!

I believe what we are going to see happen is more and more Aussie teams importing American-based riders for Super X (most likely the Aussies) and relying on them to get the job done, which means that our domestic guys' sign on fee may go down because their main focus or "use" for the team is the MX Nationals - which doesn't have the overall hype or popularity of Supercross so they essentially get paid less.

But the thing that's starting to happen now is that international guys like Brad Anderson could put their hand up to do motocross only and then step aside for a Byrne/Reardon/Metcalfe etc in Super X, potentially saving the teams even more money because these Super X fly ins are replacements for the MX-only riders on the teams, rather than additions. Actually I'm pretty sure that Kiwi Cody Cooper is riding MX only for Suzuki and then I guess a Moss brother or two will return for Super X in the American off-season.

Overall as media and also fans of the sport it's great for us to see such variety and I personally love it, but it's going to get increasingly harder for local guys to push for decent pay cheques on a domestic level contract. This is what I've heard around the traps anyway. There are exceptions to the rule for the very, very top guys obviously who contend for podiums in both MX and SX.

Soon enough I reckon we will see some top guys (Aussie or American) doing AMA SX and Super X for a Supercross only contract that spans the entire season!

Sorry for the long post guys, it's just an interesting topic I think. The growth that Aussie SX and MX is experiencing right now is amazing.

Alex

I don't want to spam but did you see the lead story on another MX Site - http://www.transmoto.com.au/

It looks like the Euro Invasion has just started and the want to be leaders are here already!

Hey mate,

Nice site, we got the same story from Moto in the UK - would be sick! http://www.motoonline.com.au/2010/06/01/world-mx-australia-to-host-grand-prix-opener-in-2011/

Hope you've been practicing on Reflex for the 125 two-stroke SX series and not putting too much time into your site, they sure can take up some time haha.

AG

I agree with you AG. Imported riders has both Pro's and Cons. Does the sport need to start looking for alternative sponsors to help fund the growth in the sport to continue raising the bar of the domestic competition and also give all the locals the oportunity to compete at the highest level.

I think many are looking for outside sponsors, but I guess Konsky's Honda team is the only one having major success in doing that right now - and even that team is pretty small for a factory effort with one Pro Open rider (Waters) and one Pro Lites (Phillips) rider each. Yes, they have all the gear and a massive semi, but as far as riders go in the MX Nationals then all their eggs are in the one basket for each class. Come Super X you'll see an expended effort with the international guys!

I think it is a great thing for the sport. In a couple of reasons,1 the fans get to see more riders from other countries in the flesh at more tracks around oz. Therefore increasing the amount of spectators at each event they ride at. Which also means more companies will be looking toward MX & SX to promote their products. 2 The Aussie's get to see how they stack up against the riders from overseas, vital to any rider that has ambitions to compete overseas. With the comradery amongst riders they will also gain valuable contacts in other championships. 3 with international riders at the start gate international media follows. Look at how Reardons US profile lifted after the battle with Reed at Raymond Terrace in 2008. US moto media wanted to know who this guy was & how to get him over there. There will b cons but as a whole it should only benefit