Round 2 of the 2023 Australian Supercross Championship (AUSX) made a welcomed return to Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night, where KTM Racing Team’s Nathan Crawford captured a convincing second place on the SX2 Class podium at the conclusion of the spectacular Triple Crown Main Event.

Fourth position during the afternoon qualifying session saw the number 199 come to grips with the slick Newcastle circuit immediatley, building a solid foundation to build upon as the event progressed. The Queenslander’s form would continue into the opening Heat Race of the night, where he would power his KTM 250 SX-F to a solid victory.

Launching to the all-important holeshot in the first of three Triple Crown Finals, Crawford quickly gapped the field as he controlled the majority of the race from the front, before crossing the line with a well-earned second place result.

Wedged deeper in the field after the gates dropped for Final 2, Crawford sliced his way through the pack, showcasing immense pace while exercising patience, and charging all the way into third place as the chequered flag flew, positioning him well for the third Final of the night.

Final 3 saw a spirited ride from Crawford, as he slotted his way into the top three from the outset, before battling to another P2 score, which landed him second place overall for the weekend. As a result, he has climbed into second place in the SX2 standings with one round remaining.

Newcastle also marked a strong night for KTM Junior Racing Team’s Cooper Ford, who raced his 85 SX to the victory in the exciting new CR22 85cc Cup, and will now take the points lead into the final round of the season at the end of the month.

Round 3 of the Australian Supercross Championship heads Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Friday, November 24, which marks the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Nathan Crawford: “Man, I am so stoked with this result, riding right there with Max [Anstie] in the last one. To be able to learn from a guy like that is huge, and I’m just so pumped with my night overall. Adelaide wasn’t acceptable and I was out for redemption here, which I feel like I achieved, although today was all about just being smart, especially with the slick track conditions. My bike felt awesome all day long, so a big thanks to the team, we’ll line up and go again in Melbourne!”

2023 Australian Supercross Championship – Newcastle, NSW

SX2 round two results:
1. Max Anstie (Honda) 75
2. Nathan Crawford (KTM Racing Team) 64
3. Kaleb Barham (Yamaha) 50

SX2 championship standings:
1. Max Anstie (Honda) 100
2. Nathan Crawford (KTM Racing Team) 76
3. Robert Wageman (Yamaha) 65

CR22 85cc Cup results:
1. Cooper Ford (KTM Junior Racing Team)
2. Heath Davy (Yamaha)
3. Levi Townley (Yamaha)

CR22 85cc Cup standings:
1. Cooper Ford (KTM Junior Racing Team) 43
2. Jack Nunn (GASGAS) 40
3. Lachlan Allen (KTM) 38