UK to host opening round of 2023 World Supercross

Villa Park, home ground of England’s famous Aston Villa football team, will be transformed into a dirt arena for the opening round of the 2023 FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) this coming July.

Adam Bailey, CEO of WSX series organisers SX Global, said the Championship's return to Britain for its second season will build on the success of last year’s opening round that was held in Cardiff, Wales.

"We had 35,000 fans turn out at Principality Stadium for our first Grand Prix, which showed just how passionate British fans are about the sport and the appetite they have for World Supercross Championship racing on home soil,” Bailey said.

"Now, it's Birmingham's turn to host the WSX season opener. It will be the only opportunity to witness the Championship in the UK and watch elite supercross athletes compete for a World Championship title.

"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.”

British riders that have signed on include Max Anstie (250cc class) and Dean Wilson (450cc class). Both took part in WSX Season 1 and are looking forward to the start of Season 2.

"I'm really excited for the World Supercross Championships in Birmingham," said Wilson. "I came to Cardiff last year, had a rough weekend and under-performed, so I'll be coming into Birmingham guns blazing, looking for redemption and fully prepared to battle for the win."

Anstie said he's hungry for a WSX 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.”

Round 1 of the six-round 2023 FIM World Supercross Championship will be held at Villa Park on 1 July. The championship concludes at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on 24-25 November. For more details, go to: wsxchampionship.com