MXGP of Australia has today announced 21 wildcard riders across MXGP, MX2 and WMX, with international stars and Australian favourites set to join the world’s best when FIM Motorcross World Championship returns to Darwin from 18–21 September.
Representing elite talent from Australia, Japan and the United States, the wildcard line up includes current USA WMX number one Lachlan “Lala” Turner and two-time Japanese motocross champion Souya Nakajima, who will line up against some of the sport’s biggest names in the championship-deciding final round.
With three world champions set to be crowned, the return of the MA Motorcross State Challenge and some of the biggest names in international motorcross going head-to-head, Darwin will once again become the centre of the motorcross world.
At this year’s event, fans can expect much more than the action on track, with close up access to teams and riders, premium hospitality, family friendly entertainment and behind the scenes experiences, giving the MXGP of Australia an atmosphere unlike any other stop on the world championship calendar.
The MXGP World Championship has found its Australian home in Darwin – and for good reason. Like the Northern Territory itself, the event is exhilarating, authentic and unlike anything else in the country. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of world-class racing, casting for a trophy barra, exploring breathtaking national parks, encountering iconic wildlife or immersing yourself in the world’s oldest living culture, the Northern Territory delivers adventure at every turn. It’s the only place where an unforgettable sporting event meets Australia’s most extraordinary destination.
Department of Tourism and Hospitality CEO Suzana Bishop said the MXGP of Australia is one of the most exciting events on the Territory calendar, and the 2026 edition will once again deliver world‑class racing alongside the uniquely Territory atmosphere fans love.
“We’re proud to once again be hosting the final round of the World Championship right here in Darwin and can’t wait to see Hidden Valley come alive in September,”
Tickets are on sale, with options ranging from single-day entry to premium experiences, including the Valley View Terrace, offering unrivalled circuit views and premium food and beverages, and the Holeshot Hotel, a family-friendly premium general admission area.
Following strong demand that saw last year’s event nearly sell out, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early. A 3-Day Hot Pass is priced at $150, day passes start from $45, and children aged 12 and under receive free entry with a paying adult. A $30 Paddock Pass upgrade also offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access.
For tickets, further information or to download the provisional on-track timetable, visit mxgpaustralia.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Motorcycling Australia CEO, Peter Doyle:
“It’s going to be tremendously exciting to see so many Australian wildcards on the starting gates of the 2026 MXGP of Australia.
“It’s never easy taking on battled-hardened riders in the world championship, but there’s nothing like testing yourself against the best in the business with a never-say-die Aussie mindset.
“The MA Motocross State Challenge is also going to add to an already brilliant Darwin spectacle, and seeing three new world motocross champions crowned on the Sunday will be icing on the cake.”
Quotes attributable to two-time USA motocross championship, Lachlan Turner:
“Since I have been in Australia, I have heard so many good things about the GP in Darwin last year and I can’t wait to race it myself in September. I watched it last year and the track looked amazing and the racing was so close.
“It will also be the first time I get to race against the best girls in the world championship. To have us all at the one place, at the one time, on a neutral track will be so good for Women’s motocross and I hope we get a lot of people out to come watch us race.
“This will be my first GP race, and I know the girls in Europe are really fast. I’m excited to go racing at a new place with the best female riders in the world and it’s cool that it is happening at Darwin, in Australia as this has become like my home away from home.”
Quotes attributable to Japanese motocross champion, Souya Nakajima:
“My time here in Australia has been good and I feel I have learnt a lot as a rider and a racing doing the ProMX events but racing at Darwin will be at another level and to be lining up alongside the best in the world will be a privilege for me,” Nakajima explains.
“It will be another opportunity for me to watch and learn from the best riders and see how they prepare for a big event.
“It’s not often Japanese riders gets to race a GP, so I plan to make the most of it and hopefully I can put in a good result and present my country and my team well.”
About MXGP of Australia:
From 18-20 September 2026, the MXGP season finale returns to Darwin’s Hidden Valley circuit. This is where the world’s best motocross riders come to settle the championship. Three days of elite racing on a rider acclaimed purpose-built track. The stakes are championship titles.
The location is the Northern Territory of Australia. And the atmosphere is pure Darwin – outdoor, laid-back, and unlike anywhere else on the MXGP calendar.
