MXGP returns to Australia with the Darwin round in 2025

MXGP will hit Darwin in 2025

The FIM World Motocross Championship (MXGP) will return to Australia in 2025 after a 24-year hiatus, thanks to an agreement between Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) and MXGP rights holder Infront Moto Racing.

The exclusive Australian deal, which sees Motorcycling Australia as title partner, will see the MXGP round held in Darwin on the purpose-built track at the Hidden Valley Motorsport Complex in September from 2025 to 2029, with the option to extend the collaboration beyond the initial five-year period.

Darwin will also be the first city in Australia to host a round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship, along with the MXGP and MX2 classes.

Peter Doyle – Managing Director of Australian Motorcycles

“Motorcycling Australia is delighted to see the FIM Motocross World Championship make its long-awaited return Down Under. Motorcycle racing at the highest level is electrifying and I can’t wait to watch the world’s best riders battle it out with Australia’s emerging ProMX stars in Darwin. It will be fast and furious from start to finish, attracting local and international fans for a great treat. I would like to congratulate the Northern Territory Government Major Events Company and Infront Moto Racing on forming this new partnership, with Motorcycling Australia providing all possible support to make this happen. The MXGP round in Darwin was a resounding success.”

To attract spectators, Australian riders will also compete as wildcards in all three world championship classes as they take on established superstars such as the Spanish riders Jorge Prado, Slovenian Tim Gajser, Frenchman Romain Febvre and in the women’s class, the New Zealand all-rounder. conquered multiple world champion Courtney Duncan.

Construction will soon begin on the international standard motor racing track at the Hidden Valley Multi-Purpose Motorsport Complex, which is home to a 2.87 km long track popular with motorsport enthusiasts in the US. Australia. This complex has been the venue for the Darwin Triple Crown Supercars event organized by NTMEC.

The Australian round of the FIM World Motocross Championship was previously held at Broadford in Victoria in 2000 and 2001with Australian wildcard performances from the late Andrew McFarlane and Michael Byrne helping to launch their international careers.

Australian superstar Chad Reed was also a strong rider at the 2001 Broadford round on his way to second place in the 250cc world championship – the same position McFarlane took in the MX2 category in 2005.

Other Australian stars who made their mark in the FIM Motocross World Championship – which opened in 1957 – include West Aussie firefighter Jeff Leisk, who finished second in the 1989 500cc title, and more recently riders such as Jed Beaton, Hunter Lawrence and Mitch Evans.

With a wealth of talent coming from the ProMX Championship promoted by Australian Motocross, the MXGP circuit in Darwin will provide an opportunity for local stars to make a big impact in the off-road racing championship world leaders – just like their predecessors did in 2000 and 2001.

The full 2025 MXGP World Championship calendar will be announced later this year, including when the world’s best motorcyclists will compete in Darwin.

David Luongo – CEO of Moto Racing

“We are really excited to bring MXGP to Australia and Darwin, which marks a triumphant return for this vibrant country. The anticipation of Australian fans for their Grand Prix is ​​unmatched, as they have been waiting and clamoring for a round in their homeland for many years now. Additionally, hosting the event in Australia not only solidifies our position as a major player in the global off-road racing scene but also highlights our commitment to showcasing the sport this thrill to fans around the world and expand racing circuits abroad. We look forward to seeing huge enthusiasm and support from local and international fans as Australia becomes part of the MXGP Calendar from 2025 onwards.”

Suzana Bishop – Managing Director of Northern Territory Major Events Company

“This thing is big. MXGP is a hugely popular and popular major sporting event and to be able to host it in this Territory is a real treat. It’s incredible to be presenting an event for for women, the event has never been held in Australia before Australian fans will attend the opening round in Darwin which a large number of international visitors will also make the journey as the city becomes the epicenter of world motor racing This MXGP caliber will not only help highlight the exceptional natural beauty of the Northern Territory globally – iconic Uluru is at the top of the list – but will also build on its enviable international reputation. The ‘Top End’ is a tourist mecca and a wonderful place to call home.”

MXGP 2024 calendar