The MXGP of Australia presented by Sitzler is shifting into gear for its return to Darwin from 18-20 September 2026, with a stellar lineup of international and Australian wildcard riders confirmed, the return of the MA Motocross State Challenge, and preparations well underway for another world-class weekend at Hidden Valley.
A total of 21 wildcard riders across MXGP, MX2 and WMX have been announced, representing elite talent from Australia, Japan and the United States. The 2026 lineup features rising stars, established national contenders and major international names making their Australian wildcard debut, including two-time Japanese motocross champion Souya Nakajima, who is set to contest a full ProMX season in 2026.
Nakajima will line up in the MXGP class alongside returning Australians Jacob Sweet (Victoria) and Cooper Holroyd (New South Wales), while Queenslanders Ryley Fitzpatrick and Rhys Budd will make their MXGP of Australia debuts. British-born Dylan Walsh also joins the MXGP wildcard field for his first appearance in Darwin. A former British Champion and current ProMX MX2 title contender, Walsh brings valuable FIM Motocross World Championship and Motocross of Nations experience to an already impressive international lineup.
In the WMX category, ten women have been awarded wildcard entries, including nine Australians and current American WMX number one Lachlan “Lala” Turner, who is contesting the full 2026 Penrite ProMX Championship. Six of the riders-Madison Simpson, Sienna Giudice, Felicity Shrimpton, Darci Whalley, Leah Rimbas and Samantha Macarthur-also competed at the MXGP of Australia in 2025.
Adding a uniquely Australian edge to the Darwin round is the return of the MA Motocross State Challenge, a national junior showdown featuring more than 80 emerging riders across the MX85 (12-Under 16) and MX3 (14-Under 18) classes. Every State Controlling Body will again field a 12-rider team, with the Territory Dingoes flying the flag in front of a home crowd. The NT team, to be announced soon and managed by Ryan Brandford, will showcase the Territory’s best young motocross talent.
The State Challenge will launch three massive days of racing on Friday 18 September before the world’s best MXGP, MX2 and WMX riders take over Hidden Valley for the final round of the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship and Women’s Motocross World Championship across Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September.
The purpose-built 1.6-kilometre Hidden Valley motocross circuit, featuring 22 corners, 21 jumps and a dramatic 90-metre start straight crossing the road racing circuit, will once again deliver the high-speed, high-intensity action that earned the Darwin round the title of Best Promoted Event of the 2025 FIM Motocross World Championship.
The MXGP of Australia will bring three massive days of action to Darwin, with interstate visitors set to enjoy not only world‑class racing but the Territory’s incredible tourism experiences – from iconic waterfalls and national parks to a vibrant food and drink scene and unforgettable tropical sunsets. Off the track, the event will continue its partnership with CareFlight as the official charity partner, supporting its vital aeromedical services across the Northern Territory.
Fans can now secure their place at one of Australia’s biggest motorsport events, with a range of ticket options available. The Holeshot Hotel offers a relaxed Territory-style premium experience, including Friday access from $275. The 3-Day Hot Pass is available from $150, providing access to every race, jump and battle across the weekend. Day passes start from $45 for Friday, with any ticket upgradeable to include a $30 Paddock Pass for exclusive behind-the-scenes access.
Returning in 2026 is the Valley View Terrace, an 18+ premium hospitality experience offering unrivalled views across the valley, Pit Garages and finish line. Guests will enjoy a fully enclosed, air-conditioned marquee with premium seating, complemented by an outdoor terrace and six hours of premium food and beverage service.
The MXGP of Australia is delivered by Tourism and Events NT in partnership with Infront Moto Racing and Motorcycling Australia.
To secure your place at this unforgettable, Darwin‑exclusive Motocross World Championship Grand Prix, visit mxgpaustralia.com.au here
Quotes attributable to Tourism and Events NT Executive Director of Events, Aimee Luxton:
“The MXGP of Australia is one of the most exciting events on the Territory calendar, and the 2026 edition will once again deliver world‑class racing alongside the uniquely Territory atmosphere fans love.
“The announcement of our wildcard riders and the return of the MA Motocross State Challenge highlight the depth of Australian talent and the strong pathways we are building for young riders and international talent.
“Events like MXGP drive visitation, support local jobs and showcase the NT to a global audience. We’re proud to once again be hosting the final round of the World Championship right here in Darwin and can’t wait to see Hidden Valley come alive in September.”
Quotes attributable to Motorcycling Australia CEO, Peter Doyle:
“It’s going to be tremendously exciting to see so many Australian wildcards on the starting gates of the 2026 MXGP of Australia.
“It’s never easy taking on battled-hardened riders in the world championship, but there’s nothing like testing yourself against the best in the business with a never-say-die Aussie mindset.
“The MA Motocross State Challenge is also going to add to an already brilliant Darwin spectacle, and seeing three new world motocross champions crowned on the Sunday will be icing on the cake.”
Quotes attributable to Two-time American motocross championship, Lachlan Turner (pictured):
“Since I have been in Australia, I have heard so many good things about the GP in Darwin last year and I can’t wait to race it myself in September. I watched it last year and the track looked amazing and the racing was so close.
“It will also be the first time I get to race against the best girls in the world championship. To have us all at the one place, at the one time, on a neutral track will be so good for Women’s motocross and I hope we get a lot of people out to come watch us race.
“This will be my first GP race, and I know the girls in Europe are really fast. I’m excited to go racing at a new place with the best female riders in the world and it’s cool that it is happening at Darwin, in Australia as this has become like my home away from home.”
Quotes attributable to Japanese motocross Champion, Souya Nakajima (pictured):
“My time here in Australia has been good and I feel I have learnt a lot as a rider and a racing doing the ProMX events but racing at Darwin will be at another level and to be lining up alongside the best in the world will be a privilege for me,” Nakajima explains.
“It will be another opportunity for me to watch and learn from the best riders and see how they prepare for a big event.
“It’s not often Japanese riders gets to race a GP, so I plan to make the most of it and hopefully I can put in a good result and present my country and my team well.”
