The stage is set for an epic 2026 KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championship (AJMX) in Mooroopna from September 28 until October 3, with the largest number of entries in a decade as the event prepares to make a sensational return to Victoria.
A total of 403 riders on 636 machines will contest the 12 championship classes – including two dedicated girls’ classes – as the tempo builds from the start of practice on Monday until the 2026 champions are crowned on Friday.
Thanks to a partnership between the Greater Shepparton City Council and Goulburn Valley Junior Motorcycle Club, the nation’s premier motocross talent factory will not only be held in Mooroopna in 2026 but also 2027 in back-to-back Goulburn Valley spectaculars.
Talent is again the operative word in 2026, with star-studded fields across all the championship classes – starting from the entry-level 6-U9 50cc Auto category all the way up to higher-age teens on 250cc four-stroke machinery.
A large group of riders will also be transferring their intense rivalry from the MX85 and MX65 classes at the Penrite ProMX Championship presented by AMX Superstores into the AJMX cauldron, including Jayce Stocker, Liam Millard, Ethan Wolfe, Ryder Madafiglio, Hudson Francis, Joe Thurlby, Olie Cale and Stella Harding.
Francis and Madafiglio also finished top 10 in the 65cc class at the 2026 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship in the Czech Republic, proving once again the quality and depth of Australia’s junior pathway programs.
And the proof is in the pudding, with superstars like Chad Reed, Hunter Lawrence, Jett Lawrence, Toby Price, Kayden Minear, Jake Cannon, Courtney Duncan, Charli Cannon, Jed Beaton and Alex Larwood all successful AJMX graduates.
The 2026 AJMX will also welcome riders who are turning the first pages in their motocross careers, while junior jets from other disciplines such as dirt track and enduro will be on the starting gates to add even more firepower.
And the intrigue continues with the AJMX equivalent of ‘bracket creep’ – riders moving into higher age and capacity classes as they progress through the junior ranks without fear or trepidation.
The 85cc two-stroke/150cc four-stroke 9-U12 class will be one such fascinating intersection of riders moving up versus incumbents, with a massive 96 riders to kick off proceedings before the field is whittled down to 40 for the best of three finals.
Eight of the 12 classes in Mooroopna – those with more than 40 entries – will be decided by a series of heats and finals, while those with less than 40 entries will be pressure-packed from the outset as they move straight into finals action.
It all adds up to another sizzling AJMX Championship, with Moorooppa preparing to host the 28th instalment of what is arguably the flagship junior event on the national competition calendar.
“To receive over 400 entries is an outstanding achievement, and testament to all the hard work that has already been put in to make this a successful event,” said Motorcycling Australia CEO, Peter Doyle.
“Mooroopna will certainly be abuzz, and I again thank the Greater Shepparton City Council, Goulburn Valley Junior Motorcycle Club and KTM Australia for all their support, and to the riders and families who will be arriving from all parts of the country to contest an event that’s not only all about top-end talent but an enjoyable and rewarding experience for so many.”
For more information on the 2026 AJMX, visit the Goulburn Valley Junior Motorcycle Club Facebook page.
Where can I find out more accommodation, dining and attractions?
Visit www.sheppandgv.com.au for all you need to know about Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley, including Mooroopna on the banks of the picturesque Goulburn River.
Accommodation options in Greater Shepparton include quality motels, hotels, cabins, caravan parks and Airbnbs. For assistance with accommodation bookings, click on the ‘Where to stay’ tab at www.sheppandgv.com.au or tel 1800 808 839 for free advice.
Images: Foremost Media
