Australian Supercross came to NZ in 2009, 2010, and 2018 – titled Australian Monster Energy Super X and now known as FIM World Supercross Championship. For the first time, running as penultimate Round in Hamilton, NZ in ’09, rider’s from America and Australia raced on Jason Baker’s designed and built tracks with Chad Reed taking the overall win in front of 12,800 fans.
The following year, Australia Super X headed across the Tasman sea for Rounds 4 and 5 at North Harbour and Carisbrook Stadium in Dunedin. This time, however, NZ’s fickle weather in November played havoc with the track, with rain destroying sections to a muddy mess, while remarkably America’s Josh Hansen raced unscathed to later secure the overall Title for the season.
In 2018, NZ’s Mount Smart stadium hosted the opening Round of S-X Open Supercross FIM Oceania Championship with rider’s from America, Australia, and NZ testing their race-craft on the tight track in Auckland. Operated under the management of WEM – Kevin Williams – fans were treated to a rare spectacle of racing even when dark clouds threatened to ruin the evening’s racing. With battles reigning supreme between America’s Justin Brayton, Christian Craig, Dean Wilson, and Australia’s Chad Reed, Jay Wilson, and Hayden Melrose – racing proved more than a spectacle for those watching track-side and fans viewing online.
Since, SX Global has operated FIM World Supercross Championship within the off season of World Championship Motocross and AMA Supercross Championship schedules. To date, there has not been a return to NZ – however – what has taken place remains a nice, neat, and cool reminder that International SX rider’s have raced on NZ soil in front of enthused, Kiwi fans.
Header photo Front plate of Justin Brayton at Australian Super X at Mount Smart in 2018. Image: MXLink.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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