Image: Supplied.

The international field for the 2026 AUSX Open has been strengthened by the addition of high-profile American Justin Barcia in SX1, officially revealed for the Geelong event at GMHBA Stadium on November 7.

Geelong will mark an early appearance for the American aboard his new PMG Suzuki, with teammate Ken Roczen also confirmed for the third round of the Boost Mobile AUSX series.

Barcia was previously announced for the 2018 AUS-X Open in Sydney, before eye surgery forced him to withdraw. Eight years later, the multiple-time AMA Supercross premier class race winner is scheduled to contest the event for the first time.

“I was meant to race in Australia back in 2018, so it’s always felt like unfinished business for me,” Barcia commented.
“Starting this new chapter with PMG Suzuki, getting to line up alongside Kenny and racing against such a strong field is something I’m really looking forward to. I’ve heard how passionate the Australian fans are, and I can’t wait to get out there, put on a show and fight for the win.”

Barcia joins a Geelong SX1 entry list that includes reigning AMA 450SX champion Roczen, Jo Shimoda (Honda HRC Progressive), and Townsville opening-round winner Christian Craig (Honda Racing). Shimoda is also set to make his Australian 450 debut at the Victorian event, while New Zealand’s Cole Davies (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) will headline SX2.

AUSX CEO Adam Bailey added: “We first announced Justin for the AUS-X Open back in 2018, so to finally have him confirmed on the start gate eight years later is incredibly exciting. We’ve worked hard to assemble the strongest possible international line-up for Geelong, and Justin’s signing is another huge addition.”

The Geelong (November 7) round follows the opening two events of 2026 in Townsville and Auckland (October 31), with Perth (November 14) and Newcastle (November 28) completing the five-round Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship for this season.