WATCH: 2026 YAMAHA NZ MX CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2026 Yamaha New Zealand Motocross Championships kicks off this weekend, and our over-the-ditch neighbours have put together a preview which follows current MX1 champion, Yamaha’s Maximus Purvis, in the lead-up to the opening round, and checks in on the preparation of major contenders – including Honda Motul Racing NZ rider, Josiah Natzke, CML KTM Racing rider, Jack Treloar and privateer, supported by Brent Scammell Honda, Jack Symon.

Purvis is not an unfamiliar name here in Oz, with the Kiwi taking up the second seat at the Monster Energy CDR Yamaha Team earlier this year while Aaron Tanti was sidelined. Purvis finished inside the top five at the opening round of the Australian ProMX Championship, while nursing an injury himself – which ultimately became the theme of the rest of his fill-in season. However, in this year’s AusEnduro Championship, and as an off-road newbie, Purvis claimed an impressive 3-2 result in the Pro E1 class, and ran inside the Top 10 Outright both days, at Round 9 and 10 of the series back in September at Kyogle. Undoubtedly, Purvis will be aiming to add another NZ MX1 championship for 2026.

2026 New Zealand Motocross Championship:

• Round 1   16 November 2025 – hosted by the Southland Motorcycle Club
• Round 2   22 November 2025 – hosted by the South Otago Motorcycle Club
• Round 3   21 February 2026 – hosted by the Tauranga Motorcycle Club
• Round 4   28 February 2026 – hosted by the Rotorua Motorcycle Club