AUSTRALIA — The second round of the 2023 FIM World Supercross Championship will transform Groupama Stadium, Lyon, into a dirt battleground for the first-ever French Grand Prix.
After two successful pilot events in 2022 that saw packed houses in Cardiff, Wales, and Melbourne, Australia, treated to incredible supercross action from some of the sport’s biggest names, WSX now expands its mission to elevate supercross into a truly global sport with six Grand Prix events across four continents.Â
The championship offers the biggest prize money in supercross history, with $250,000 up for grabs, which has attracted 10 teams and 40 of the world’s top riders to vie for world championship glory across two categories – WSX 450cc class and the SX2 250cc class.
SX Global CEO Adam Bailey said French fans will now have the opportunity to watch their supercross heroes race for a world title on home soil.
“Our vision for WSX is to elevate the sport of supercross globally, and we’re excited to bring the World Championship to France for the first time,” said Bailey.
“With the World Championship based almost exclusively in the U.S.A. until 2022, French fans have not been able to witness racing for a supercross world title in their country.
“It was essential for us to establish a championship round in France, which also has one of the largest and most passionate fan bases.
“We can’t wait for them to witness WSX for the first time, which will be a historical moment for supercross in France.”
Two of the 10 teams are French (BUD Racing and Team GSM), and WSX has attracted a host of French riders, including Cédric Soubeyras, Thomas Ramette, Jordi Tixier and more.
BUD Racing and French rider Cédric Soubeyras is returning to compete in the WSX 450cc class and is thrilled to be racing in France.
“I’m so happy! It’s a good thing WSX comes to France right now,” Soubeyras said. “We are a strong country in supercross and motocross.
“Racing is going to be tougher than the pilot season because riders know WSX is the real deal.
“We race big stadiums, big tracks, good teams, good prize money, and I’m sure many champions want to join the party.
“I can’t wait to be back on my 450cc BUD Racing bike and get ready for the races. All my friends are only talking about this race at the moment.”
BUD Racing Team Principal Stephane Dassé voiced his excitement for the new event.
“France is an important country for motocross; the fans are really passionate,” Dassé said. “It’s very good that WSX comes to France because the best European supercross riders mainly come from France.
“Riding in the Lyon Groupama Stadium is really huge; these are the stadiums you see on TV for football, and having WSX here is incredible and exciting.
“After finishing 3rd in the 250cc World Supercross Championship last year, we will have a team even stronger this year that can really fight at the front in both classes.”