Byrne, 29, came to the U.S. from Australia in 2001 to compete in his first full season of professional AMA Supercross/Motocross. Byrne did not compete in the 2008 AMA Supercross championship due to a knee injury. In AMA Motocross, he finished fourth in overall points standings. At the 2005 U.S. Open, Byrne finished 2-3 for second overall to Ricky Carmichael.

“This is a tight race,” said Byrne. “You need to have a good start and stay out of trouble for two-nights. In 2005, when I finished second, I had great starts and didn’t have to spend the early part of the race banging bars with the other riders. When you are out front, you get to ride in clear traffic and start to pull away.”

The open-class format where riders can compete on either the 250F or 450F four stroke motorcycles poses the question: Which bike is better?

“The track layout will determine which bikes have the advantage or disadvantage,” added Byrne. “By adding in the top Lites guys to the race, the main event will have a much deeper field of talent.”

More exciting announcements about the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open will be made shortly. Stay tuned to www.ussx.com for more news and information.

Tickets are now available for the 10th anniversary of the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas October 10-12, 2008 at www.ussx.com, www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 702-474-4000 or the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office. Regarded as one of off-road motorcycling’s premier races, the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open is the final ‘major’ race of the motocross season. Tickets are available for as low as $20 through Ticketmaster.com. All tickets subject to 5% Las Vegas Entertainment tax.