The 2026 MXGP of Australia in Darwin from September 18-20 will again feature the nation’s elite junior talent launching a thrilling three days of competition in the MA Motocross State Challenge.
Last year’s inaugural state challenge was a resounding success as teams from all the Australian states and the Northern Territory faced off in the unique event for MX85 and MX3 competitors ranging in age from 12 to 17 years old.
Queensland, with its superior spread of speedsters, was the overall winner in the 2025 MA Motocross State Challenge ahead of Western Australia and New South Wales.
The 2026 event will now present opportunities anew, with riders taking to the 1.6km track for the first time on Friday, September 18. Over 80 of Australia’s brightest juniors will be in action, showcasing their talent in front of an international audience and talent scouts scanning for the next wave of motocross superstars.
Every State Controlling Body (SCB) in Australia, representing the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland, will field 12-rider teams in the MA Motocross State Challenge: six riders apiece in the MX85 (12-U16) and MX3 (14-U18) classes.
Three motos will be held in each class across Friday and Saturday before the world championship riders – MXGP, MX2 and WMX – take to the Hidden Valley track in what will be the climax to the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship and 2026 FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship.
The selected teams are as follows (Facebook links):
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MX85 and MX3 are the two main development classes in the Penrite ProMX Championship presented by AMX Superstores (ProMX), and the exposure provided to the nation’s emerging stars in the MA Motocross State Challenge will undoubtedly open pathways to more international opportunities.
In addition to the MA Motocross State Challenge, all three world championship classes will feature Aussie wildcards from ProMX – adding more local flavour into what will be another electrifying event in the Top End.
“The MA Motocross Championship exceeded our expectations in 2025,” said Motorcycling Australia CEO, Peter Doyle.
“Improved pathways for our junior riders and an all-new international-standard circuit showcased our brightest stars in the best possible light, with the quality and tempo of racing exceptional from start to finish.
“We fully expect more of the same in 2026, and I know teams will be working overtime to bring out the best in Australia’s young talent – and there’s no better place to do that than the MXGP of Australia.”
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby, said that the event, which recorded strong interstate and overseas visitor numbers, offered a fantastic chance for race-goers to explore what the Territory has to offer.
“Visitors can swim with a crocodile in the heart of the CBD, take a helicopter pub crawl across the Top End, reel in a wild barra just minutes from jumping crocs, visit world-class national parks, or simply explore Australia’s only wartime battlefield with our new AI Military Trip Planner.
“Last year marked the biggest year of motorsport in the Territory’s history, and 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger, not one to be missed.”
Tourism and Events NT CEO Suzana Bishop:
“The MXGP of Australia has quickly become a standout addition to the Territory’s events calendar, delivering enormous benefits for our visitor economy and showcasing the NT to the world. When Darwin hosted the championship in 2025, more than 36,000 people attended and 58% travelled from interstate or overseas, with global broadcasts reaching over 100 countries.
“Events like this inspire travellers to turn their visit into a true Territory experience, exploring our national parks, waterfalls, wildlife and vibrant tropical lifestyle. It all strengthens local businesses, supports jobs and highlights what makes the NT such an unforgettable destination.”
The MA Motocross State Challenge teams are selected by the SCBs, drawing on riders who have competed in the ProMX Championship, KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championship and/or state- based events. For more information on team selection, contact your relevant SCB.
Images: RbMotoLens