Teenage talent Tye Simmonds will enter this weekend’s first round of the Monster Energy Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship, in Melbourne as one of the pre-season title favourites.

Simmonds, 19, is fresh back from a full season in the United States, where he formed part of JDR Motorsports’ U.S. team, and he’s excited to show off his newfound speed on home soil.

Switching from the 350 SX-F up to the 450 in a bid to capture strong starts, Simmonds says he’s feeling comfortable with his progress to date despite a limited testing schedule.

With the goal of a first ever round Pro Open round win his focus for the early rounds of the series, Simmonds believes he can go on to contend for the title if he can tick that box.

“I only got back four weeks ago, but I’ve been riding the 450 for a week now and am really starting to like it,” Bourke-based Simmonds said.

“Once that gate drops in Melbourne we should be ready to roll. My goal is always to win, but I haven’t won a 450 race yet. If I can do that then I’ll be looking to contend for the title.”

Simmonds will enter his third season of Super X, finishing fourth in the title chase last year aboard the 350.