AUSTRALIA — Britain’s Supercross stars Dean Wilson (Scotland) and Max Anstie (England) will take on some of the world’s best riders when Birmingham’s famous Villa Park hosts the opening round of the FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) on July 1.
Wilson and Anstie will be using the support of their home crowd to fuel their world title campaigns and their attempt to claim a share of the $250,000 (US) in prize money — the biggest purse in World Supercross Championship history.
SX Global CEO Adam Bailey said the series’ return to Britain will build on the success of last year’s pilot season and opening round that was held in Cardiff.
“We had 35,000 fans turnout at Principality Stadium last year for our first Grand Prix, which showed just how passionate the British fans are about the sport and the appetite they have for World Supercross Championship racing on their home soil. Now it’s Birmingham’s turn to host the WSX season-opener,” Bailey said. “It will be the only opportunity to witness the championship in the UK and watch elite Supercross athletes compete for a World Championship.
“WSX is building on its mission to transform Supercross into a global sport with the calendar expanding to six rounds on four continents in 2023, and we’re thrilled to be heading back to Britain to kick off the season again. Tickets for the British GP are on sale today, but with Dean and Max headlining the British rider contingent, you’ll need to get in quick, so you don’t miss out on the opportunity to see them race at home.”
Competing in the WSX 450cc class, Wilson hopes to write himself into WSX history books in Birmingham.
“I’m really excited for the World Supercross Championship in Birmingham,” Wilson said. “I came to Cardiff last year and had a rough weekend racing with an illness and under-performed. It was very disappointing, considering the massive crowd I had on my side, so I’m coming into Birmingham guns blazing, looking for redemption and fully prepared to battle for the win.”
Returning for his second year competing in the SX2 250cc class, Anstie said he’s hungry for a World Championship after finishing runner-up in 2022.
“I’m really excited to be kicking off the WSX championship in front of my home fans. It’s going to be bigger and better than ever. I’m ready to battle for the top step of the podium and put on a show. Make sure you come and watch on the first of July in Birmingham for another epic British GP,” said Anstie.
More than 6,500 tons of dirt will transform the home of Aston Villa Football Club as it prepares for its first-ever British Grand Prix.