The world\u2019s best motocross riders are descending on Darwin for three days of high-flying, dirt racing action at the MXGP of Australia, presented by Sitzler.<\/p>\n
From September 18 to 20, the purpose-built Hidden Valley motocross circuit will host riders from five categories for the final round of the 2026 F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Motocross World Championship and Women\u2019s Motocross World Championship. <\/p>\n
More than 30,000 fans are expected to be trackside across the weekend to see who is crowned the MXGP World Champion after a gruelling 19-round season.<\/p>\n
The round will also crown world champions in the MX2 and WMX categories.<\/p>\n
Two-time American motocross champion Lachlan \u2018LaLa\u2019 Turner is one of 21 wildcards invited to join the elite global riders at MXGP of Australia, presented by Sitzler.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have heard so many good things about the GP in Darwin last year and I can\u2019t wait to race it myself in September,\u201d she says. \u201cI watched it last year and the track looked amazing and the racing was so close.\u201d<\/p>\n
Most of the wildcards are Australians selected to represent their nation at their home track, which Motorcycling Australia chief executive Peter Doyle says will be \u201ctremendously exciting\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s never easy taking on battled-hardened riders in the world championship, but there\u2019s nothing like testing yourself against the best in the business with a never-say-die Aussie mindset,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship and FIM Women\u2019s Motocross World Championship have already started with a bang, producing spectacular battles and budding rivalries that will continue all the way to the Top End in September \u2013 and with some boom Aussie wildcards also thrown into the mix, there\u2019s going to be action aplenty.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 1.6km purpose-built track has been designed to deliver high-speed, high-intensity racing by challenging riders through its 22 corners, 21 jumps and a 90-metre start straight.<\/p>\n
The event begins with a uniquely Australian event on Friday – the return of the Motorcycling Australia (MA) Motocross State Challenge.<\/p>\n
It features 12 riders aged 12 to 17 from every state and the NT \u2013 six juniors in the MX85 class and six riders in the MX3 class \u2013 in a national showdown.<\/p>\n
Tourism and Events NT executive director of events Aimee Luxton says the MXGP of Australia is one of the most exciting events on the Territory calendar.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 2026 edition will once again deliver worldclass racing alongside the uniquely Territory atmosphere fans love,\u201d she says. Off-track, there will be family-friendly activities, including the PROTRAXX Chill Zone of motocross-inspired experiences.<\/p>\n
Spectators can also immerse themselves in Top End activities, such as photo opportunities with the Territory\u2019s most loved reptiles from Top End Critters or scenic flights with Kakadu Air.<\/p>\n
The Katherine Outback Experience will bring the spirit of the outback to MXGP, with Golden Guitar-winning country musician and horseman Tom Curtain featuring in three performances each day.<\/p>\n
WILDCARDS<\/p>\n
Major international and Australian motocross riders and rising stars are among the 21 wildcard entrants across the MXGP, MX2 and WMX categories.<\/p>\n
MXGP<\/p>\n
Two-time Japanese motocross champion Souya Nakajima and former British champion Dylan Walsh lead the international names joining the MXGP wildcard field.<\/p>\n
Nakajima says Japanese riders often do not get to race a GP, but after contesting a full ProMX season this year, he has learned much from his time racing in Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cRacing at Darwin will be at another level and to be lining up alongside the best in the world will be a privilege for me,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n
Dylan Walsh, who is currently living in Victoria, finished third in the ProMX MX2 category this year. <\/p>\n
He will test his international experience from competing in the Motocross World Championship and Motocross of Nations to his first appearance in Darwin. Four Australian riders will join the MXGP wildcard field \u2013 Jacob Sweet (VIC), Cooper Holroyd (NSW), Ryley Fitzpatrick (QLD) and Rhys Budd (QLD).<\/p>\n
MX2<\/p>\n
Five Australians will join the MX2 wildcard field, lead by Byron Dennis (NSW) who finished fourth in the ProMX MX2 category in 2026. Deacon Paice (WA), Thomas O\u2019Neill (QLD) and Jet Alsop (QLD) will join him from the category, while Riley Burgess (NSW) steps up after finishing second in the ProMX MX3 category this year.<\/p>\n
WMX<\/p>\n
Nineteen -year-old American rider Lachlan \u2018LaLa\u2019 Turner leads the field of wildcards in the WMX category, hot on the heels of winning the ProMX WMX championship in 2026.<\/p>\n
The two-time US Women\u2019s Motocross champion says it is her first GP race.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will also be the first time I get to race against the best girls in the world championship,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo have us all at the one place, at the one time, on a neutral track will be so good for women\u2019s motocross.\u201d<\/p>\n
She will be joined by nine Australian wildcards \u2013 Madison Simpson (QLD), Sienna Giudice (NSW), Felicity Shrimpton (QLD), Darci Whalley (QLD), Leah Rimbas (WA), Makayla Rimbas (WA), Samantha Macarthur (NSW), Emma Milesevic (VIC) and Stephanie Turnbull (QLD).<\/p>\n
ATTRACTIONS<\/p>\n
MX Central Water Park<\/p>\n
For the first time at MXGP of Australia, MX Central Water Park will provide cooling and play zone, offering families and spectators a fun way to escape the Top End heat. Featuring an inflatable \u2018Croc Escape\u2019 waterslide, racing slip and slide, water guns and cooling misters.<\/p>\n
Superior Sands Sandpit<\/p>\n
The ultimate kids and family hangout, the Superior Sandpit features a range of electric trucks and toys, allowing kids to dig, build and play like real operators. Offering a shaded, relaxed space for families to engage and spend time.<\/p>\n
Protraxx<\/p>\n
The PROTRAXX Chill Zone will deliver an interactive, family-friendly precinct where spectators can relax in the shade while immersing themselves in the world of motocross. The precinct features hands-on experiences including a start gate reaction challenge, mini track building stations using official MXGP dirt, e-bike test rides, and a giant inflatable ride track with tunnels for young riders. Patrons can design their own dream MXGP circuit as part of the Track Designer Challenge, with daily prizes awarded for the best designs.<\/p>\n
Kakadu Air<\/p>\n
Will offer people the opportunity to get a chartered flight over the track or over Darwin city. Soaring above the action for a unique bird\u2019s-eye view of the circuit before taking in the stunning landscapes of the Top End. A unique way to experience both the excitement of MXGP and the beauty of the NT.<\/p>\n
Reptile Territory<\/p>\n
Top End Critters will bring the unique wildlife of the NT directly to spectators, with experienced wildlife handlers introducing a range of reptiles throughout<\/p>\n
the event precinct and hospitality areas.<\/p>\n
Featuring everything from baby crocodiles and pythons to lizards and selected endangered<\/p>\n
species, this activation provides an engaging, educational and distinctly Territorian experience.<\/p>\n
Best Seats in the House<\/p>\n
The iconic Big Bus Experience offers a premium spectator experience, transforming the double- decker bus into the Best Seats in the House. Providing elevated views across the circuit, this unique viewing platform delivers an unforgettable race-day experience. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The world\u2019s best motocross riders are descending on Darwin for three days of high-flying, dirt racing action 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