On the eve of the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne, Ricky Carmichael has encouraged AMA Supercross regulars to participate in off-season events such as the S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship, the greatest of all time expressing regret that he didn’t capitalise on such opportunities in the prime of his career.

Carmichael believes there’s great value in racing overseas throughout the off-season in preparation for the upcoming season, especially in the S-X Open series that already boasts strong international competition.

The two-round championship, which features the Australian Supercross Championship, has attracted former premier class champions Jason Anderson and Chad Reed, along with 450SX contenders Joey Savatgy and Justin Brayton.

“I speak from experience – that is one of the mistakes that I made and I wish I could turn back time and do these races,” Carmichael commented. “I don’t think I would’ve lost anything at all – I think it would’ve helped me. There are guys in the States right now that aren’t doing it that I personally think they should do a couple – pick a couple and go to them.

“I mean, they don’t have to come over here and stay for three or four weeks at a time, but I think there’s a lot of value – especially with the amount of heat that is here – there is a lot of great competition and a lot of parity. [There are] a lot of elements that could use to learn about their motorcycle in race situations.

“I know that if I’m Jason Anderson, Joey Savatgy, Chad Reed, Justin Brayton – guys that are going to be racing [together] in a couple of weeks for the Monster Energy Supercross championship, I think there’s something to be learned here for the big picture for them.

“There’s a lot of value, especially in this type of situation in a big stadium like Marvel Stadium – there’s a lot to be learned that can apply to 2020.”

The motocross and supercross legend will star in an exhibition race tomorrow night aboard a Suzuki RM-Z450, which will be auctioned off following the event.

Organisers of the 2019 Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne have confirmed the roof of Marvel Stadium will be closed for tomorrow night’s event.

AUS-X Open co-founder Adam Bailey indicated it was always intended to close the roof, which was a major drawcard in selecting the venue.

Bailey noted the closed roof guarantees perfect conditions for racing, while also enhancing the experience for race fans with off-track entertainment and effects.

“We were always going to shut the roof,” Bailey told MotoOnline.com.au. “And just because there’s daylight savings here, it doesn’t get dark until night anyway – it means we wouldn’t be able to put the lights out, do cool pyro, and the effects just aren’t as good.

“Closing it means we can control the environment. The whole vibe and feel of it is a huge part of what we do, so tomorrow’s going to be really special, and we need the roof closed for that.

“It’s a big mission to be in this stadium, and the main reason for it was the fact it does have a roof. It’s the right size so we can get a good crowd in, but also, the roof just adds comfort for the fans – it means the racing is guaranteed to be awesome because we don’t have to worry about a mudder.

“And it means we can control the environment with pyrotechnics, sound and lighting as well. There are a lot of benefits to it.”

Over 35,000 fans are projected to make their way to the Docklands complex this Saturday night, where both the Monster Energy S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship and Australian Supercross Championship will be decided.

SX2 points leader Josh Osby isn’t getting ahead of himself as he prepares to secure a maiden Australian Supercross Championship at this Saturday’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne.

The Raceline KTM Thor rider holds a four-point advantage over fellow American Chris Blose (Penrite Honda Racing), while Serco Yamaha’s Aaron Tanti is a further three points behind in third.

Osby has positioned himself strongly in the four rounds hosted so far, picking up three podiums including an overall victory at Auckland’s penultimate stop of the series.

“We are carrying the red plate into the final round and this is where it counts the most,” Osby commented. “I’m approaching this round business as usual – I’ve put myself in a good position all season long with strong starts and track position.

“At times I have been a little too conservative, but I know if I execute my race plan that I have [had] all season long using my speed and experience, we will be in a good position to bring home the number one plate.

“This would be a huge achievement for myself and the Raceline KTM Thor team, but I’m not getting ahead of myself and will be focusing on doing my job on the night and the rest will fall into place.”

Penrite Honda Racing’s Mitchell Oldenburg and reigning champion Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing) are also mathematical chances for the SX2 crown.

Penrite Honda Racing’s Justin Brayton believes riding strategically will be key at this weekend’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne as he pursues a fourth-straight Australian Supercross Championship.

For the first time since Jimboomba’s season-opener in 2016, Brayton will don traditional white backgrounds on his CRF450R after relinquishing the points lead to Luke Clout (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy) at the S-X Open Auckland.

Describing the prospect of claiming a fourth title as a ‘dream run’ leading into his 2020 AMA Supercross campaign, the American declared he intends to go out and win inside Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

“It would be a dream run heading into 2020, that’s for sure,” said Brayton. “I mean it has been a super competitive season this year in Australia – more so than previous years as the quality of riders has certainly stepped up so winning would be even sweeter.

“I will need to ride strategically but one thing is clear – I want to win and I want to keep the streak going so I will do all that I can to make it happen.”

Brayton is positioned one-point behind Clout in the championship standings, making for a winner takes all showdown for the title.