A leading topic in Australian Motocross circles this month has been the return of the Motocross World Championship to Australia, the event confirmed to be heading to Broadford in Victoria as the 2011 season opener next May.

The event will mark the first Aussie MX GP since the memorable 2000 and 2001 rounds, where young riders such as Chad Reed, Michael Byrne and the late Andrew McFarlane made their first marks on the international stage.

MotoOnline tracked down some of the leaders in the domestic industry to get their opinions on the return of World Motocross to Australia, and as you’ll see, the excitement has already commenced.

JEFF LEISK (KTM Australia general manager and Motocross GP legend):
“It’s bloody unbelievable. It’s been frustrating to go to the Phillip Island MotoGP every year – not that it’s not a great event in itself because it’s awesome – to see the on-road side benefiting, we hadn’t seen that kind of opportunity for the motocross guys in a while. It’s extremely exciting to see the event come back to Australia and both KTM and I are really looking forward to it, that’s for sure.”

STEPHEN GALL (Former Mr Motocross and multi-time national champion):
“It will be really good for Australian Motocross, I mean look what happened when it was here back in 2000 and 2001. It opened the doors for guys like Byrner and McFarlane in particular, so if we can open the door for some of our good guys here to go overseas then it’d be really good. That’s just one aspect though, the other aspect is the industry gains strength, the trade, it’s just all good to me. I look forward to it and will support it whatever way I can, definitely try to be involved.”

JAY MARMONT (Defending dual Pro Open MX Nationals Champion):
“Having the World Motocross coming to Australia is definitely a big thing for the sport. We had it here in 2000 and 2001 and from that point on I think it really boosted Australian Motocross – helped our international guys to get where they are today. I think it will really showcase what Australia’s got, put our country on the map and let those guys know about the speed, depth and youth that we have over here. Hopefully guys like Chad Reed can come and support it, so it’s an event that I really look forward to in 2011.”

BILLY MACKENZIE (MX Nationals contender and World GP race winner):
“It’ll be good for Australia, good to get the world championship riders over here and I hope that I can get the chance to show those guys how strong the Australian Motocross Championship is, show them that the riders are fast over here, and also that I haven’t lost any pace. I’ll be looking forward to it. As a rider, you look forward to the opportunity to show your talent off at the world level because you never know who’s watching. I got beat straight up here [at Wodonga], they’ve definitely upped the pace, so it’s getting stronger – everybody’s going good.”

JAY FOREMAN (Rockstar Motul Suzuki team manager):
“It will be a fantastic event, a great opportunity for the young Australian riders to go in there and show the internationals what we’ve got. It’s good for the young guys because if they ever get the chance to go overseas to Europe or America, they’ll have the opportunity to see how the system works here at home and won’t be overwhelmed by the whole thing – it’s good for everybody. We were involved with the Suzuki team at the last one at Broadford so we’ll be hoping to be involved again, for sure. We learn a lot and share a lot of knowledge, so it will be great.”

MICK SINCLAIR (FOX and Oakley motocross team manager):
“It’s going to be great exposure for Australian Motocross. Our boys are continually stepping it up internationally, so it’s going to increase the exposure for our domestic guys as well, just like it did for Sharky back in the day. Hopefully it might help our young guys get discovered and go on to a career in Europe or the U.S, so from that perspective it’s really good. Hopefully some of our FOX guys get involved and we’ll make sure we put a big effort in for them, coming up with something really cool to mark what will be a special day in Australian Motocross.”