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Wood Motorsport has been launched ahead of the 2026 Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship, signing emerging SX2 prospect Tiger Wood alongside current SX1 national number three Hayden Mellross in the program co-owned by motorsport figure Dale Wood.

A former Supercars driver and Super2 champion, Wood is partnering with team co-owner Eris Djemil and will field the two-rider program equipped with KTM machinery.

“Dirt bikes have always been my biggest passion,” Wood commented. “I forged a lengthy career in four-wheel motorsport, through Formula Ford, Super2, Supercars and Carrera Cup, and I’m so lucky to have done what I’ve done. But through that whole time, my love has always still sat with dirt bikes, on two wheels.

“I’d been doing some go-karting with my son Jacko and then met Eris. We’re a bit of a wacky partnership, but we’ve both got a real love for two-wheel sport, and headed down the path of starting a dirt bike team. I bring the commercial side, and Eris is stronger in the other areas of putting this team together, so between the two of us it’s been a really cool journey.

“Time has definitely been against us, we decided to put all this together very much at the eleventh hour. But we feel like we’ve got everything ticked, and we’ve got a race bike that Tiger is particularly happy on, so we’re not going there feeling underdone.”

“From the moment I announced this, I’ve been so lucky to have the people who’ve supported it, from Michael Patrizi and my mate Rick Kelly, to fantastic brands like Beta Tools and Frankston Ford, who’ve supported me for such a long time. I’m really grateful for those who’ve stuck by me in four-wheel motorsport and are now continuing the journey into two-wheel motorsport.”

Djemil – who has frequented the AUSX paddock in recent seasons – added: “I’ve been around the sport for a few years now, with my training facility, just helping a couple of mates and giving them a place to ride. When the big American guys come out, having them around is really fun too – but I’ve never done anything like owning a team before.

“It’s a big step forward, and it’s been great working with Dale. He’s very good at the corporate and commercial side, and I just make sure the track is prepped and the facility is top-notch. I’m excited to get to Townsville, and bring this crazy dream to life.”

Teenage talent Tiger Wood – who isn’t any form of relation to Dale Wood – is making his comeback following an extended stint on the sidelines as a result of a torn ACL sustained at last year’s AUSX Open. He had trained at Djemil’s last season upon return to Australia, and will look to regain the type of form that saw him in podium contention on debut in SX2 one year ago.

“It’s a great opportunity that Dale and Eris have given me to come and race Australian supercross this year,” Wood said. “The bike is good, the team is good, and I’m super-excited to get started – and to be heading to Townsville. It’s my home race, I grew up there, and all my family will be at the event.

“It’s actually where I did a lot of my knee rehab, in the performance centre right beside the stadium, so it’ll be a special one to come back for. This is my first race back, so it’ll be great to come back to where it all started for me.

“The goal is to be the best Tiger Wood can be. I want to be up there competing for wins and podiums, but if I get a good start each round and ride the way I know I can, I’ll be happy.”

As for Mellross, after being overlooked by the factory-backed teams despite his head-turning performance as a privateer in 2025, aligning with Wood Motorsport will provide a significant opportunity to continue to rebuild his professional career within the AUSX series.

“I’m really appreciative of Dale jumping on board and the support he’s provided me heading into this season,” the 31-year-old Mellross said. “Wood Motorsport has given me exactly what I need, and it’s greatly strengthened my program. I’m feeling really strong on the bike and quietly confident going into Townsville. Looking forward to a strong result, and to build from there.”