The highly anticipated Australian Supercross Series kicked off in style at a redesigned track in Jimboomba, Queensland on 23 September. In the first of six rounds, it was defending SX1 champion, American Justin Brayton (Penrite Honda) who stole the show, returning Down Under with continued domination to take the win in the final.

Brayton was unmatched for most of the day, taking over the lead early in the main event and gaining enough breathing space to hold on for the win. Top Australian contenders Dan Reardon (Mega Fuels Kawasaki) and Dean Ferris (CDR Yamaha) battled it out for the minor spots, but it was Ferris who would come through into second and remain Brayton’s only threat on the night. Ferris, who will now jump back to motocross to compete in the Motocross of Nations (MXON) for Australia, laid down a charge late in the final, but it was too late. Reardon held onto third, with Crankt Honda teammates Luke Clout and Todd Waters completing the top five riders.

Hayden Mellross (DPH Motorsport) fell a few laps short of claiming the SX2 title last year but set out to change his fortunes. Fierce competition included defending champion Jackson Richardson (Serco Yamaha) and former champion Gavin Faith (Penrite Honda). As the gate dropped it was Faith who put himself in the best position early, but a determined Mellross slowly fought through the pack to catch him mid-race and make the pass for the lead. Faith couldn’t match the leader but managed to hold onto second ahead of Mitch Evans (Serco Yamaha).

The series now heads to Bacchus Marsh for round two on 14 October.

by Marc Jones