With the Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship and World Supercross Championship (WSX) running on similar schedules, it creates inevitable challenges for teams contesting both series – particularly when dates overlap. For the Yarrive Konsky-led Honda Racing outfit, it’s a unique, difficult balancing act to manage.

For the past three years, we’ve seen both series occupy the same space – which initially featured the integration of each championship – although a change in ownership led WSX in a different direction, and one that no longer worked cohesively with Australia’s domestic series.

Two Australian-based teams – Honda Racing and Monster Energy CDR Yamaha – were among the initial 10 official WSX entries, alternating between domestic and international rosters in the early years, often with the ability to field similar if not the same riders across both championships.

A date clash in 2025, however, between the WSX Gold Coast GP and the AUSX grand final in Adelaide threw a spanner in the works, with Craig Dack’s WSX program ultimately benched by the legendary team owner as he was unable to find a viable solution to the scheduling conflict.

Konsky, meanwhile, will field entries in both championships with the support of his US-based Quad Lock Honda program, targeting WSX success while also chasing an eighth-straight SX1 crown at home, in addition to further SX2 and SX3 titles in 2025.

Image: Supplied.

He admits the clash is far from ideal, though, particularly from a fan perspective.

“It’s frustrating, there’s no denying it’s not ideal,” Konsky told MotoOnline. “The Australian audience will be divided, especially with it falling on the same weekend as the final round of Supercars, the number one form of motorsport in the country.

“Many of the Queensland-based drivers would love to attend the race on the Gold Coast, but they simply can’t. In the end, it’s our fans and the wider industry who lose the most from this clash.”

Adding to the complexity of team management is the commercial value of each championship, with partners targeting different outcomes and audiences across both Australian and international markets.

There’s little benefit for an Australian-based partner to market to fans in Argentina if they have no business there. For a company like Quad Lock, however, with its growing global footprint, a partnership with the WSX program makes perfect sense.

Image: Foremost Media.

“The real challenge lies in determining the value we place on each championship – which one holds greater importance, [and] which one delivers stronger commercial returns. We want to win both, and we want to maximise the value and exposure that come from competing in both.

“There are many variables to consider. The number of rounds, the countries and cities involved, broadcasting, and the timing of each championship.”

As for riders, one of the bigger questions was why reigning AUSX SX1 champion Joey Savatgy was added to the WSX roster rather than defending his Australian crown.

With Savatgy and Wilson finishing first and second in last year’s Australian SX1 series – and Wilson having claimed the title in 2023 – the Victorian-based team felt either rider was capable of delivering in both championships.

Factor in the difference in prize money, and ultimately, the mix of elements led to Joey being chosen to chase world championship success in 2025, especially after finishing runner-up in both 2022 and 2023.

Image: Foremost Media.

“WSX prize money per round exceeds $200,000 USD, compared to around $25,000 AUD (approximately $16,000 USD) in Australia, and Joey’s goal is simple – to win WSX,” added Konsky. “He’s been on the podium every year the series has run, and he’s determined to capture the championship. Dean, on the other hand, wanted to reclaim the Australian title.

“For me, WSX also represents something special for a rider – an FIM world championship. While both championships are equally important to me in their own right, I strongly believe in the premise of a true world championship – one where costs are shared, investment is mutual, and new audiences are reached and inspired.

“There’s no denying WSX has had a rocky start, but they’ve stayed committed to their goals and continue to evolve.”

It’s been a huge effort across the board for the program, which fields teams in all three major championships – Monster Energy SMX World Championship, as well as AUSX and WSX. That has seen them get creative with rider line-ups in recent years, most recently tapping into the French talent pool with Cedric Soubeyras and Anthony Bourdon.

This year’s Australian clash has had a significant impact not just on the teams but on fans and riders as well, and is widely recognised as one of the negative moments for what is a thriving supercross scene down under.

For Konsky, he doesn’t anticipate this as becoming an ongoing problem, seeing it as something that ought to be rectified for future seasons.

“All this said, I don’t believe the Australian Championship and the WSX round in Australia will ever clash again.”