The FIM Motocross World Championship returns to Australian soil with racing set to get underway in a week.
With just one week to go until the MXGP of Australia presented by Sitzler roars back into Darwin from 18-20 September, the Top End is gearing up for a huge motorsport weekend. Hidden Valley will transform into a festival‑style motocross precinct, combining world‑class racing with a huge off‑track entertainment program for families, fans and visitors.
The purpose‑built 1.6‑kilometre Protraxx circuit will host the world's premier motocross athletes across MXGP, MX2 and WMX, delivering three days of high‑intensity racing on a track featuring 22 corners, 21 jumps, a 90‑metre start straight and signature elements including rolling waves, a triple step‑up and 30‑metre jumps.
A stacked field of major international riders, Australian talent and rising stars will line up across the MXGP, MX2 and WMX categories in Darwin. In MXGP, fans will see two‑time and reigning World Champion Romain Febvre (FRA), five‑time World Champion Jeffrey Herlings (NED), four‑time World Champion Tim Gajser (SLO), and Darwin podium finishers Simon Längenfelder (GER) and Kay de Wolf (NED) stepping up from MX2.
The MX2 class features returning 2025 Darwin champion Sacha Coenen (BEL), current championship leader Farres Guillem (ESP) and world title contender Camden McLellan (RSA).
In WMX, two‑time and reigning champion Lotte van Drunen (NED) returns to defend her Darwin round title, alongside current world championship leader Daniela Guillén (ESP) and six‑time World Champion Kiara Fontanesi (ITA).
On Friday, 18 September, the action begins with the State Challenge before fans head to the Darwin Waterfront for the exclusive MXGP Rider Signing Session from 4.30pm to 7pm - a chance to meet the sport's biggest stars, grab autographs and snap photos with the MXGP championship trophy.
Across the weekend, fans can explore a massive entertainment program including the Superior Sands Sandpit, PROTRAXX Chill Zone, Katherine Outback Experience, Kakadu Air scenic flights, Reptile Territory, a dedicated Kids' Entertainment Program, and the iconic Big Bus offering the best seats in the house.
In exciting news, the 2027 provisional MXGP calendar has been released featuring twenty Grands Prix across four continents. In 2027 the MXGP of Australia presented by Sitzler is confirmed for 17 - 19 September in Darwin.
Darwin will once again host the WMX season finale - the sixth and final round where the 2027 Women's World Champion will be crowned. While in the men's categorise twenty Grands Prix across four continents will decide the MXGP and MX2 world titles in 2027.
Delivered by Tourism and Events NT, in partnership with MXGP rights‑holder Infront Moto Racing and Motorcycling Australia, the MXGP of Australia remains one of the must‑see events on the Top End calendar.
Grab your tickets now, starting from $45 for single‑day entry. Kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult, and 3‑Day Hot Passes are available for $150. Limited premium experiences remain, including the Skybox, Holeshot Hotel, and Paddock Pass upgrades.
For tickets, the full event program, race times and all other details, visit: mxgpaustralia.com.au. here
Quotes from Tourism and Events NT Executive Director of Events, Aimee Luxton:
"Darwin is once again ready to welcome the world as the MXGP of Australia returns to the Top End. This event showcases our capability to deliver major international sporting experiences. MXGP brings an energy to the Territory like nothing else - and in just one week, Darwin will host the world's best riders across MXGP, MX2 and WMX, alongside a huge program of family‑friendly entertainment.
"This event brings enormous value to the Territory, driving visitation, supporting local businesses and showcasing Darwin on the global stage. It attracts thousands of fans, riders and teams from around the world, injecting millions into the local economy and creating flow‑on benefits for tourism, hospitality and small business."
Quote attributed to 2025 Darwin WMX round winner Lotte van Drunen:
"For me, returning to Darwin is pretty special. Last year I became the youngest ever two-time World Champion there, so it is a track with very special memories. I love the track. I think it's amazing, with the loose soil and nice layout, I think it suits my riding style really well.
"Last year I wasn't able to ride like I normally would because I was fighting for the title, so I was quite tight on the bike, but I still showed in the second race that I had the speed, so hopefully this year I will race without any pressure and will be on the top step of the podium at the end of the weekend."
