The 2026 MXGP of Australia has capped off a massive year for Territory motorsports, recording more than 23,000 attendances across three days of fierce competition, with 32% travelling from interstate.
Following its 2025 Best Event Promotion win, Tourism and Events NT has again been recognised at the MXGP Awards, receiving an exceptional collaboration award for an event that captured the best of the Territory spirit.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue delivering a jam-packed pipeline of motorsports and major events, with 2027 set to be the biggest year yet.
After three days of fierce competition in the red dirt of Hidden Valley, the world's best motocross riders have been crowned for 2026 as the MXGP of Australia returned to Darwin for just the second time in a quarter of a century.
More than 23,000 attendances - including 32% from interstate - marked an epic finale to the international motocross season and capped off a huge year of motorsport across the Territory.
For the second consecutive year, Tourism and Events NT was recognised at the MXGP Awards, receiving an exceptional collaboration award for its approach to delivering a truly one-of-a-kind Territory event.
Minister for Major Events and Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the MXGP cemented the Territory's reputation as a destination for world-class motorsports and major events.
"We brought back the MXGP after a quarter of a century - and when you add international test cricket, the T20, and the NRL, it's crystal clear that our Government is serious about delivering global events, growing our visitor economy, and celebrating all that makes the Territory unique," Minister Boothby said.
"We know that the NT is the best place for motorsports, and particularly the MXGP - and once again, we've got the trophy to prove it! And proudly, tens of thousands of people have experienced the Territory spirit for themselves - many for the first time."
President and CEO of Infront Moto Racing, David Luongo, said: "For the second year in a row, we are here in Darwin for the final round of the MXGP season, and it is always a great pleasure for us to be here.
"The fantastic infrastructure, the great team at Tourism & Events Northern Territory and the organiser have taken this event to another level. Darwin is one of the most appreciated tracks of the season, with a great paddock and fantastic fans.
2026 MXGP World Champion, Jeffrey Herlings, travelled from The Netherlands to compete:
"What I like most about Darwin is that it's not the same as other places. I like getting to see some of the wildlife you don't get back home, like the crocodiles. The weather is really nice with sunshine every day, and the people here are also incredibly friendly."
Motorcycling Australia CEO, Peter Doyle, said the event had delivered an incredible amount weekend of racing.
"Motocross has a passionate and growing following across Australia, and the MXGP of Australia is a fantastic opportunity to showcase that passion on the world stage while giving fans the chance to see the sport's global superstars right here in Darwin.
"We're delighted to see MXGP back in the Northern Territory through to at least 2029, giving everyone the great opportunity to continue to build this world-class event and its legacy in Darwin."
Minister Boothby said major events, and particularly motorsports, were a crucial part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government's strategy to grow the visitor economy and restore our Territory lifestyle.
"From huge turnouts and even bigger programs at events like Supercars, Finke, and Red CentreNATS - now the world's best motocross riders at Hidden Valley - we've had a massive year in motorsports, which will only accelerate in 2027," she said.
"Major events bring visitors from all over to see more, spend more, and stay longer in the Territory, while showcasing our unique lifestyle to audiences across the world, and in our year of growth, certainty, and security, we are boosting events like never before."
The Territory's 2026 motorsport calendar saw huge results across Darwin Supercars, the Finke Desert Race, Gazzanats and Red CentreNATS, with record-breaking programs and strong turnouts showcasing the Territory as the place of choice for motorsports and events.
And 2027 is already shaping up to be even bigger, with Darwin Supercars introducing twilight and night racing, the 40th Bridgestone World Solar Challenge traversing the centre of Australia, and Red CentreNATS offering its biggest prize pool yet.
MXGP of Australia is delivered by Tourism and Events NT in partnership with championship rights-holder Infront Moto Racing and Motorcycling Australia.
The event will return to Darwin each year through to 2029 as part of the Territory's jam-packed pipeline of major events.
