Australian Supercross riders braved windy conditions at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit today to cut the first official laps on the purpose-built circuit at Lukey Heights.

South Australian winner Josh Hill was joined on track by current Australian Supercross Championship leader Matt Moss and X Games Women’s Moto X silver medallist Meghan Rutledge, giving onlookers a taste of what to expect over the weekend.

American import Hill said he was looking forward to racing alongside the MotoGP event.

“The track is great,” Hill said. “So far it is the most similar in terms of the tracks we race on in the US. These conditions today were pretty tough so I didn’t push it as hard as I normally would.

“I am really looking forward to getting back out there over the weekend. To be on the same billing as MotoGP is a huge thrill.”

This weekend also marks the return of Brett Metcalfe to Australian competition. It will be the first time the Canadian Motocross Champion has raced in Australia in seven years.

“It’s going to be awesome to be here at the MotoGP racing supercross, it’s a lot of fun,” Metcalfe said. “I have family and friends coming and it is something I have been looking forward to for a while now.”

Pro Open championship leader Matt Moss is determined to make amends after crashing while leading last weekend’s final.

“I am excited to be here as I missed this event last year due to injury,” Moss said. “The track is good and from what I saw of last year’s event I think this year’s layout provides a lot more viewing areas for fans.

“I like the two-round format that we are running this weekend, it helps with momentum.”

Australia’s Meghan Rutledge will take on some of the world’s best female riders in tomorrow’s opening round of the EVE Australian Women’s Supercross Championship. Rutledge took to the track today in front of multiple Women’s World Motocross Champion Jessica Patterson who will make her Australian debut tomorrow.

“It is incredible to think that Australia has led the way with a Women’s Supercross Championship,” Rutledge said.

“We have three rounds this weekend which will be a huge test of fitness for all of us but I can’t wait to get going and race these girls.”

Rounds four and five of Milwaukee presents the Terex Australian Supercross Championship and the inaugural EVE Australian’s Women’s Supercross Championship will get underway at the 2013 Tissot Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix tomorrow.