Image: Octopi Media.

SMX Next will expand into Australia for the upcoming 2026 Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship, becoming the first regional extension of the Monster Energy SMX World Championship development platform.

The United States-based SMX League has partnered with AUSX to create SMX Next Australia, designed to build additional opportunities for emerging Australian and New Zealand talent.

SMX Next Australia will feature top prospects at each round of the AUSX championship and finalists will be invited to participate in the 2027 SMX Next World All-Stars event – the title won by Kayden Minear last year – as part of the 2027 SMX playoffs.

“Australia and New Zealand have long produced some of the greatest talent in the world in the likes of Ben Townley, Chad Reed and now the Lawrence brothers and Cole Davies,” said Mike Muye, senior director of Supercross, SMX League. “SMX Next Australia creates a premier pathway for riders who are working to advance in the sport and pursue elite level goals. The focus is on identifying, encouraging, and supporting the next generation of SMX talent.”

AUSX Supercross Championship president, Adam Bailey, added: “By creating additional opportunities for athletes, SMX Next Australia can help strengthen the future of racing throughout Australia and New Zealand.

“SMX Next Australia supports rider development while helping build fan interest, participation, and momentum for the sport abroad. The program will continue to build on the strong heritage we already have by investing in future generations and giving emerging athletes a stronger platform.”

AUSX will be hosted over five rounds between October-November 2026, spanning across Australia and including a round in Auckland, New Zealand, as part of the Australian championship season.

The 2027 Monster Energy SMX World Championship schedule – made up of Monster Energy Supercross and Pro Motocross – will be announced in October and will include the SMX Next dates and locations. Following that, the post-season schedule is due to be released in January next year.