ProMX 2026 Set for Explosive Wonthaggi Opener This Weekend
Australia’s premier motocross championship roars back to life this weekend, with round one of the 2026 Penrite ProMX 2026 Championship presented by AMX Superstores kicking off at Wonthaggi Motocross Track on March 21–22. Press: Motorcycling Australia Media Pics: RbMotoLens
Returning for a sixth consecutive year as the season opener, the popular Victorian venue will host two full days of high-intensity racing across a packed schedule, with the 1.8km, 18-turn circuit set to deliver non-stop action from 9:00am Saturday and 8:15am Sunday. The event is one of just two rounds in 2026 to feature back-to-back race days.
Supported by the Victorian Government and Bass Coast Shire Council, the Wonthaggi opener will showcase all major ProMX 2026 classes including Kawasaki MX1, Pirelli MX2, Maxxis MX3 and Ezilift MXW, alongside the Fox Racing MX85 Cup and the returning FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup.
MX1: Webster Chasing Three-Peat
Reigning champion Kyle Webster headlines the Kawasaki MX1 class as he targets a third straight title. The Honda Racing Australia star comes off a dominant 2025 campaign and will once again be the rider to beat.
His fiercest rival, Jed Beaton, returns fully fit after an injury-hit season last year, with their rivalry expected to reignite immediately at Wonthaggi. A stacked MX1 field also includes former champions Aaron Tanti, Dean Ferris and Todd Waters, along with leading contenders Nathan Crawford, Wilson Todd and rising talent Zachary Watson.
MX2: New Champion Guaranteed:
The Pirelli MX2 class enters a new era in 2026 following the departure of reigning champion Brodie Connolly, leaving the title wide open. Front-runners include Ryder Kingsford, Noah Ferguson and Alex Larwood, while a wave of MX3 graduates such as Kayd Kingsford and Ky Woods are ready to shake up the class. International interest comes from Japan’s Souya Nakajima and Haruki Yokoyama, both capable of mixing it with the front-runners.
MX3: Youth Battle Heats Up:
With last year’s top three moving on, the Maxxis MX3 class is primed for a new generation of contenders. Riders to watch include Seth Shackleton, Jack Deveson and Jackson Fuller, alongside a deep field of emerging talent looking to make their mark.
MXW: Cannon Faces New Challenger:
Four-time champion Charli Cannon returns in the Ezilift MXW class aiming for a fifth consecutive title, but faces her toughest test yet. American champion Lachlan Turner joins the series full-time, adding a new dynamic to the championship fight. A strong field including Taylah McCutcheon, Taylor Thompson and Madi Simpson ensures the MXW class will be one to watch.
MX85 Cup: Junior Talent on Show:
The Fox Racing MX85 Cup kicks off its 2026 campaign at Wonthaggi, with Blake Bohannon aiming to defend his title against a highly competitive field of junior stars.
Oceania Cup: Trans-Tasman & Trans-Pacific Showdown:
The FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup returns as a major highlight, with Australia defending its crown against the USA and New Zealand. After edging the USA by just two points in 2025, Australia will again rely on Cannon, McCutcheon and Thompson, alongside debutant Darci Whalley.
The USA squad is led by Turner and includes rising star Mayla Herrick, while New Zealand fields a consistent and competitive lineup featuring Karaitiana Horne and captain Amie Roberts.
With three motos across the weekend and a drop-score format, another dramatic finish is expected. Round one of the 2026 ProMX Championship promises a blockbuster start to the season, with stacked fields, returning rivalries and international talent all converging at Wonthaggi.
For more information, visit auspromx.com.au
