Image: Supplied.

Three-time Australian supercross champion Justin Brayton will defend his crown in 2019 with Penrite Honda Racing, while he’s also been named as the first international contender for the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne, set to be hosted at Marvel Stadium on 29 November.

The American, who joined the Penrite Honda Racing outfit in 2016, has won the SX1 title every year since with the Victorian-based operation, and will attempt to claim an astonishing fourth consecutive championship this year.

A regular in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship with Smartop Bullfrog Spas Honda, Brayton saw his campaign cut short this season after a frightening crash in Seattle.

“The AUS-X Open is one of the greatest events outside of the US, and having been so close to winning it before, I’m determined to come back faster and ready to win in November,” Brayton explained. “The racing at Sydney was always incredible but I think moving to Melbourne, into such an awesome stadium, is going to take supercross racing in Australia to the next level and I can’t wait to put on a show for all the fans in Australia.

“Marvel Stadium will be the closest thing Australia gets to the world championship. The track will be full-sized and I have no doubt both the racing and the atmosphere will be electric on November 30. I’m so pumped to be returning to Australia in 2019 and fighting for the Australian supercross title for a fourth straight year with Penrite Honda Racing.

“I have the most amazing team when I head down under to race, and it would be awesome to bring home the trophy again, especially in front of the huge Melbourne crowd.”

The full 2019 Australian Supercross Championship is still to be revealed, however it’s understood the series will kick off on 21 September at a venue in Queensland. It was uncovered last month that round three will take place at WIN Stadium in Wollongong, New South Wales, on 9 November, while the AUS-X Open will host the season finale.