MotoCoach Elite Racing Honda added an international name to its roster for the 2026 Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship, with Preston Masciangelo making his Australian debut in the SX2 division. Still in the early stages of his professional career, the Canadian reflects on his journey so far and the opportunity to contest AUSX in this Profiled feature.

Originally from Brantford, Ontario, the 20-year-old spent much of his amateur racing career competing across the border in the United States, recording three top-10 finishes at the Loretta Lynn’s AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship while also contesting SMX Next in 2023 and 2024.

Two 11th-place finishes at Arlington and Anaheim 2 marked a promising start to Supercross, despite his limited experience in the discipline. Masciangelo made further progress at his final development event in Salt Lake City, where he was running in fifth before crashing with two laps remaining.

“My SMX Next events were good,” Masciangelo told MotoOnline. “I definitely didn’t light the world on fire – I was usually around the top-10 area, so that was decent for my experience levels and kind of where I slotted in at the time, especially because we still had [Haiden] Deegan in there, Dax [Bennick] as well, and Cole [Davies].

“I had a fifth place going in 2024 at Salt Lake City until two laps to go, and then I ended up going down [laughs]. But all-in-all it was decent, and being in the top 10 for the guys I was racing against was a solid introduction to Supercross racing for me.”

Image: Foremost Media.

A transition to professional racing followed soon after, with Masciangelo lining up for Anaheim 1 in 2025 and progressing to the night program before qualifying for his first 250SX main event at the second visit to Angel Stadium that season.

Both milestones exceeded his expectations, with key career goals achieved much earlier than anticipated. That momentum carried into 2026, with continued progression reflected in his results – including multiple main event appearances – and ultimately opening the door to an opportunity in Australia’s AUSX Supercross series.

“I had goals in mind that I wanted to achieve – and honestly, they arrived pretty quickly,” he continued. “I made my first night show at A1, which was really cool, and then made my first main event at A2 – which came a lot quicker than I had expected.

“I used [2025] to really learn and grow as a rider, and then this past season has been much better for me. I had a really solid year and ended up making four main events in Monster Energy Supercross, with a best finish of 18th. All that kind of led me to talks with the MotoCoach Elite Racing Honda team for AUSX.

“It’s been a really big goal of mine to come over here and race in this series – I definitely didn’t expect it to come this quickly. The number of internationals who come over to compete, as well as the overall presentation of the championship, is really elevating its profile in the United States.

Image: Foremost Media.

“So I’ve watched it the last few years, and really wanted to be a part of it. We’re one round in now, and Townsville was awesome – just the whole vibe was epic. I loved how close we were to the fans, and the racing was gnarly, everyone can really ride supercross down here… it’s no joke.”

Following the opening round in Townsville, Masciangelo gained a clearer picture of where he sits among the SX2 field, which features a mix of Australian and international talent. A crash-marred weekend left him 16th overall, but the speed was evident, leaving him confident he can contend for top-five results as the series progresses.

The experience is also contributing to his development in supercross, which he is becoming increasingly comfortable with as he gains more track time. Greater technicality and precision are emerging in his riding style, with Masciangelo looking to carry those gains back to America in 2027.

“I didn’t really know what to expect coming over here, results-wise,” he admitted. “It’s a stacked field, but I fully believe that I can be here and be a top-five guy – those are my goals, and I want to be as close to that as possible.

“With a good start, I’d love to be knocking on the door of a podium. But as I mentioned, my supercross skills are growing, and I’m feeling more and more comfortable in the discipline, with AUSX a great opportunity to continue to develop that.

Image: Foremost Media.

“I’m starting to see changes in my approach in the last little while, I’d say, favouring a little more technicality and the slower pace needed to be a strong supercross rider, and I’m enjoying the whole process. All of this progress will help me in America and as my career develops.”

Masciangelo and the MotoCoach Elite Racing Honda team now turn their attention to the next round of the Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship, which heads to North Harbour Stadium in Auckland on October 31.