SUPERCROSS SHOWDOWN AT MELBOURNE’S MARVEL

The third and final round of the Australian Supercross Championship is set to kick off at the epic Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. The battles in 2023 have been tight, with two varying destinations: the tight confines of the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and the open-air Newcastle Stadium. Both venues have seen Dean Wilson and Max Anstie dominating, but behind them, there’s a barnstorming battle in the world of supercross.

Can Wilson make it a perfect season?

Dean Wilson is on absolute fire. The bloke is really gelling with his Honda CRF450R, and the Yarrive Konsky-led Froth Honda team seems to be a good fit for Dean. The track in Melbourne is a lot bigger than the opening round in Adelaide, and the dirt should be less slick than the final surface in Newcastle. There’s a host of riders nipping at his heels, who would love to cancel his perfect story, but the title is in Wilson’s hot hands if he scores just one single point.

The Reed effect

Chad Reed is in town. He’s not racing, but his young fella Tate is. The whole Reed family has landed in Australia for the start of Tate’s Supercross career. In Newcastle, Tate was 15th, in a class of riders with a hell of a lot more experience racing than he has. He’s got the skill and the talent, oh and the bloodline, to have an even better weekend in Melbourne. Chad hosted a ride day at Park4MX this week, and the whole vibe around the event and the series is kicked up a notch with the twotwo’s presence.

Boppo’s back

Yep, the number 70 has jumped out of his heavy machinery and behind the bars of the Empire Kawasaki KX450. The beast was left vacant after an awkward crash resulted in an injury to Matt Moss, who unfortunately will sit out the Melbourne race. Lawson is one of the most likable guys in the pits, and despite not spending a lot of time behind the gates, will be one to watch, particularly off the metal ramp – the bloke can whip!

Indoors Baby

Round two in Newcastle copped some hectic rain in the lead-up, causing the track builders a few headaches. Marvel Stadium is massive but can be a complete indoor venue thanks to the closing roof. Resulting in better conditions for the track, as well as comfort for fans in the stands. It’s hard to beat an indoor supercross; the atmosphere is electric!

The SX2 story

Max Anstie is well in control of the SX2 class in the Australian Supercross Championship. He’s been a force this year, winning every single heat and main event he has entered. Nathan Crawford is sitting second, and American Robbie Wageman is third; it’s all to play for the remaining podium spots.

Serco’s farewell.

It’s a sad weekend for the Serco Yamaha team, marking its final major race. News broke earlier this week that due to budget cuts, the team with 22 years of racing history in Australia will no longer compete in 2024.

The WSX factor

As with last year, the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship will be intertwined with the final round of the World Supercross Championship, combining to be the Australian Supercross GP. Friday will be Aussie racing, Saturday the WSX fires into life. The interesting thing is, a host of Aussie riders will line up as wildcards in the event: Dylan Wills, Nathan Crawford, Kaleb Barham, and recently announced, Rhys Budd who will race in the 450 class for Club MX. Dean Wilson, Matt Moss, Josh Hill, Max Anstie, and Justin Brayton will also do double-duty, racing both the Australian Supercross and World Supercross. Wilson currently sits third in the WSX class, and with three tight main events, is still a chance to claim a World Championship, while Anstie currently sits atop the SX2 points, in the box seat for a shot at the number-one plate.