RECORD NUMBERS SET THE STAGE FOR BIGGEST AUSTRALIAN SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP IN RECENT HISTORY.

The outlook for Australian Supercross is bright with a record number of riders locked in for Round 1 of the FOX Australian Supercross Championship in Adelaide on October 7, together with the remaining rounds of the 2023 series.

Less than two weeks from the opening race, 125 gates are confirmed to drop at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre across the SX1, SX2, SX3 and 85cc classes, with waitlists for the latter, which will be the largest volume of riders per round in recent history for the Championship. 

With a strategic focus on supporting the growth of supercross in Australia, Championship Director, Kelly Bailey, is incredibly pleased to see the confirmed entry numbers along with booming support across the industry for this year’s championship.

“We are thrilled to see the strongest volume of riders in recent history for our opening round and also the wider championship,” said Bailey.

“Gate numbers declined in recent years, especially after COVID. Since then, we’ve strategically reset the series, incorporating more industry feedback, and launching new initiatives for growth – to see this translate into increased gate numbers is a significant step forward.

“Improved collaboration across the board, along with the introduction of the Privateer Support Program and the revival of 85cc racing has collectively contributed to this growth and ability to nurture the next generations coming through.

“Ultimately the more gates filled leads to larger events and audiences. This, in turn, creates opportunities for increased visibility, prizemoney, sponsorships and broadcast options, all of which are beneficial to everyone in the sport.”

In terms of wider numbers, Bailey can confirm an increase in year-on-year prizemoney for each round in 2023, together with an upsurge in privateers and factory racers.

There has been significant growth in various aspects of Australian Supercross including a 40% boost in round prizemoney, a 25% rise in privateers participating in SX1, SX2 and SX3 compared to the previous year, and an impressive 113% year-on-year increase in overall privateer riders since the reintroduction of the 85cc class. Equally noteworthy is the nearly 60% surge in Factory Supported Riders across all three primary classes.

“Furthermore, talking to the quality of the event, we’ve seen nearly 10% of overall entries from world-class international riders which bumps the calibre of racing to another level for both fans watching and on track competitiveness,” said Bailey.

“Within Australia, the NSW pool continues to lead the way contributing 40% of entrants, with the remaining riders coming from Queensland (23%), Victoria (19%), South Australia (7%), Western Australia and Tasmania (2%).”

Industry veteran and AUSX Motorsport Manager, Kevin Williams believes it’s the healthiest the sport has been in recent history.

“Everyone is elated to see records numbers in the gates for Adelaide,” said Williams.

“I can’t remember a time in my 25 years where there were so many pre-entries of competitors locked in ahead of the championship starting, as well as the depth we are seeing in the two championship and support classes.”

Looking to the future, Bailey won’t yet confirm the 2024 calendar but hinted the FOX Australian Supercross Championship rounds may expand.

“We’re deep into 2024 planning with some exciting opportunities in front of us around Australia with new venues,” said Bailey.

“It’s fantastic to see such a great line up of riders join the Championship this year. We’re incredibly proud to attract this depth of talent, from up-and-coming juniors to the country’s best privateers, pros and international superstars. 2023 will be a great platform to build from and we are excited to continue this positive progression into the future.”

“We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to our partners, Fox, MXstore, Yamaha, Honda and Fantic. Without them, it would not be possible.”

The outlook for Australian Supercross is bright with a record number of riders locked in for Round 1 of the FOX Australian Supercross Championship in Adelaide on October 7, together with the remaining rounds of the 2023 series.

Less than two weeks from the opening race, 125 gates are confirmed to drop at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre across the SX1, SX2, SX3 and 85cc classes, with waitlists for the latter, which will be the largest volume of riders per round in recent history for the Championship. 

With a strategic focus on supporting the growth of supercross in Australia, Championship Director, Kelly Bailey, is incredibly pleased with the confirmed entry numbers along with booming support across the industry for this year’s championship.

“We are thrilled to see the strongest volume of riders in recent history for our opening round and also the wider championship,” said Bailey.

“Gate numbers declined in recent years, especially after COVID. Since then, we’ve strategically reset the series, incorporating more industry feedback, and launching new initiatives for growth – to see this translate into increased gate numbers is a significant step forward.”

“Improved collaboration, along with the introduction of the Privateer Support Program and revival of 85cc racing has collectively contributed to this growth and ability to nurture the next generations coming through.”

“Ultimately the more gates filled leads to larger events and audiences. This, in turn, creates opportunities for increased visibility, prizemoney, sponsorships and broadcast options, all of which are beneficial to everyone in the sport.”

In terms of wider numbers, Bailey confirmed an increase in year-on-year prizemoney for each round in 2023, together with an upsurge in privateers and factory racers.

There has been significant growth in various aspects of Australian Supercross including a 40% boost in round prizemoney, a 25% rise in privateers participating in SX1, SX2 and SX3 compared to the previous year, and an impressive 113% year-on-year increase in overall privateer riders with the reintroduction of the 85cc class. Equally noteworthy is the nearly 60% surge in Factory Supported Riders across all three primary classes.

“Furthermore, talking to the quality of the event, we’ve seen nearly 10% of overall entries from world-class international riders which bumps the calibre of racing to another level for both fans watching and on track competitiveness,” said Bailey.

“Within Australia, the NSW pool continues to lead the way contributing 40% of entrants, with the remaining riders coming from Queensland (23%), Victoria (19%), South Australia (7%), Western Australia and Tasmania (2%).”

Industry veteran and AUSX Motorsport Manager, Kevin Williams believes it’s the healthiest the sport has been in recent history.

“Everyone is elated to see record numbers in the gates for Adelaide,” said Williams.

“I can’t remember a time in my 25 years where there were so many pre-entries of competitors locked in ahead of the championship starting, as well as the depth we are seeing in the two championship and support classes.”

Looking to the future, Bailey won’t yet confirm the 2024 calendar but hinted the FOX Australian Supercross Championship rounds may expand.

“We’re deep into 2024 planning with some exciting opportunities in front of us around Australia with new venues,” said Bailey.

“It’s fantastic to see such a great line up of riders join the Championship this year. We’re incredibly proud to attract this depth of talent, from up-and-coming juniors to the country’s best privateers, pros and international superstars. 2023 will be a great platform to build from and we are excited to continue this positive progression into the future.”

“We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to our partners, FOX, MXstore, Yamaha, Honda and Fantic. Without them, it would not be possible.”