TWO-WHEEL SHOWDOWN
After its Northern Territory debut in 2025, the Motocross Grand Prix Championship (aka the MXGP) returns to Darwin, bringing with it three days of the world’s best riders, where everything is on the line.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
IMAGE MXGP OF AUSTRALIA
IF YOU DIDN'T know, the MXGP – or the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) Motocross World Championship, as it’s officially known – is a pretty big deal. We’re talking worldwide big deal, baby.
Returning after a huge Northern Territory debut last September, which saw more than 36,000 attendances, the 2026 program continues to deliver on the standard that was set in 2025. Infront Moto Racing Chief Executive Officer David Luongo says Darwin has demonstrated its right to host the international event again after such a successful debut last year.
"Darwin has earned its place on the MXGP world calendar, not by accident, but because every element that makes a Grand Prix truly great comes together here,” he says.
“The Hidden Valley circuit challenges our riders in ways that produce spectacular racing … and the atmosphere that Australian fans create is something that has stayed with all the riders and team. What we are building in Darwin is a permanent fixture on the global motocross map.”
Motocross fans from across the world turn their attention to the Top End, as the three-day program sees the all-Aussie MX3 and MX85 State Challenge kick things off on the Friday. International competitors – alongside Australian wildcard riders in all three international classes – take to the track on Saturday to practice, qualify, and battle it out for the first official race in the afternoon. Expect to be on the edge of your seats with the final Australian MX3 and MX85 races, making Saturday one jam-packed day of trackside action.
The championship intensity comes to its peak Sunday morning, with the final WMX race and two races each for MXGP and MX2, boasting a full day of elite racing as the world’s best fight for crucial points in the final round of the 2026 title chase.
There’s plenty of action off the track, too. The kiddos can get amongst the dirt in a huge sandpit in the interactive, family-friendly precinct, where spectators can relax in the shade while immersing themselves in the world of motocross. There’s also the Outback Experience featuring Tom Curtain, plus interactive demos, working dogs, whip-cracking, and live music. The festival season continues.
Tourism and Events NT Executive Director of Events, Aimee Luxton, says events like this are important in shining an international light on the NT, with important flow-on effects to local businesses in the shoulder season.
“It’s fantastic to welcome a global event of this scale back to the Territory. The MXGP of Australia brings world-class sport to our doorstep, and delivers real benefits for our tourism and hospitality sectors right across the Top End,” she says.
“Events like this showcase the NT to the world and inspire visitors to experience everything our region has to offer, reinforcing our reputation as a premier destination for world-class sporting events.”
If you’ve got the need for speed and want to experience a world-class event, right here in the NT, get along to the purpose-built circuit at Hidden Valley for three days of dirt, speed, and fun – on and off the track.
MXGP of Australia presented by Sitzler
WHEN FRI 18 – SUN 20 SEP
AT HIDDEN VALLEY MOTORSPORTS COMPLEX
COST $45-$1,750
INFO mxgpaustralia.com.au
