Christian Craig has strengthened his grip on the 2026 Australian Supercross Championship after taking his first SX1 overall victory of the season at Perth’s HBF Park, while Factory Honda Racing teammate Cameron McAdoo narrowly missed an SX2 win after surrendering the lead on the final lap.

Racing in front of a sellout crowd, Craig delivered his strongest performance of the championship, topping Superpole, winning his heat race and carrying that form into the SX1 main event.

The victory moved Craig into the lead of the four-round Australian Supercross Championship while extending his advantage in the five-round AUSX Championship, with both titles set to be decided at the Newcastle finale.

Craig faced a challenge from Japanese star Jo Shimoda during the main event, with yellow and red-cross flags adding to the pressure as the pair battled for position.

“The race with Shimoda was intense, and the red cross and yellow flags added to that intensity. I was having fun, had a great flow and felt connected,” Craig said.

“This bike over here is world-class. The Australian boys do a great job. It’s super competitive.”

Craig also praised the standard of the Australian championship and the support from local supercross fans.

“Australia is really behind Supercross, and it’s so good to see. When you compare our population to yours, 20,000 fans here is equivalent to 200,000-plus back home. We don’t get more than 50,000 or 60,000, so it’s massive here.

“The fans are so respectful and appreciative. I can also say they are witnessing the same level of tracks we race on in America. The championship is legit,” Craig said.

Despite his championship advantage, Craig admitted the pressure was building with just one round remaining.

“I don’t have 50 points over the next rider, so anything can still happen. It’s the same for Cameron in the 250 class.

“The nerves are still at an all-time high. I haven’t been in this position for a long time, and neither has Cameron.

“We will maintain the same focus and regime right through to the end. There is no letting up on the program. The championships aren’t over yet,” Craig said.

POLITELLI CLAIMS FIRST SX1 PODIUM

Factory Honda Racing’s Austin Politelli joined Craig on the SX1 podium, finishing third overall for his first top-three result of the season.

Politelli admitted he had approached the 20-lap main event too cautiously, concentrating on conserving energy rather than attacking the riders ahead.

By the halfway point, he realised he had more pace available and began closing the gap, but the damage had already been done.

“I need to admit, I probably let it bother me too much. At the beginning of the main, I was more worried about lasting the distance than racing as hard as I could, and I gave away valuable time to the guys in front.

“When we got to the halfway mark, I realised I had more in the tank and began a charge, but it was too little, too late, and I needed to settle for third.

“I’m having so much fun, and I’m looking forward to the final round in Newcastle,” Politelli said.

The result gave Factory Honda Racing two riders on the SX1 podium and further strengthened its position heading into the final round.

McADOO DENIED SX2 VICTORY ON FINAL LAP

Cameron McAdoo came within a lap of claiming the SX2 victory in Perth before losing the lead in the closing stages of the main event.

The American led much of the race aboard his Factory Honda but was unable to hold off the challenge on the final lap, eventually finishing second.

While frustrated at missing the victory, McAdoo said the team remained focused on its championship position and continuing to develop the Honda ahead of the 2027 AMA Supercross season.

McAdoo has been working through different motorcycle settings since joining the Australian Honda programme, with the Perth round providing another opportunity to refine the package.

“We want to win every time we go out there, but we are also mindful of our position and where our focus is right now.

“We have made progress at every round. We are making improvements every time we go out, and that’s our goal right now.

“We don’t want to take unnecessary risks. We need to be on top in Newcastle, and we need to be at our best come A1 in January,” McAdoo said.

The American admitted he was disappointed to surrender the win but acknowledged the importance of managing the championship battle.

“The team reminded me of that. Being frustrated doesn’t help, but having expectations is good. We keep working towards those expectations.”

McAdoo also praised the Perth event, which marked his first visit to Western Australia.

“This was my first time in Perth, and I loved it. I hope we are back here in the future because I would love to bring my family out here. There is so much appreciation for the fans,” he said.

KAYD KINGSFORD CRASHES OUT AFTER BREAKTHROUGH HEAT WIN

Kayd Kingsford experienced both the high and low points of supercross racing in Perth, claiming his first SX2 heat race victory before crashing out of the main event.

The younger Kingsford brother showed improved speed throughout the night and looked capable of securing a top-five finish against a strong field of domestic and international competitors.

However, a late crash ended his race and left the team awaiting further medical assessment to determine the extent of his injuries.

“Obviously, I would prefer to finish and not crash out, but this was another step forward for me.

“It was my first heat race win, and I was battling against some great riders in the final before I crashed. I’m taking the positives. We have been working hard,” Kingsford said.

Factory Honda Racing confirmed that further medical examinations would be required before a decision could be made on his availability for Newcastle.

RYDER KINGSFORD’S DIFFICULT SEASON CONTINUES

Reigning SX2 champion Ryder Kingsford endured another frustrating round after crashes and incidents prevented him from converting his speed into a strong result.

Kingsford crashed during his heat race before becoming caught up in a first-turn incident in the main event.

He remounted and worked his way through the field, but the early setback left him facing another recovery ride rather than challenging for the podium.

“The speed is there, and the bike is working well. Just little things have gone wrong. Little mistakes, whether they are my own or caused by others, have just brought things undone,” Kingsford said.

The defending champion now sits sixth in the Australian Supercross Championship standings and is determined to finish the season with a stronger result.

“I’m focused on finishing strong. I want to see the season out with some podiums, so it’s head down, regroup and two more weeks to work on ironing out some of the small mistakes.”

CONNOLLY FIFTH AS LARWOOD CONTINUES RECOVERY

New Zealand’s Brodie Connolly continued his return to form with fifth place in the SX2 main event, moving to fifth in the Australian Supercross Championship standings.

Connolly has been working to regain his confidence and speed following a significant crash during practice, which disrupted his preparation and affected his performances earlier in the championship.

The Perth result represented another step forward, although the Honda rider admitted he was still some way from his best.

“It’s not where I want to be, but it’s better than where I was.

“The hit I took whilst practising was big, and I haven’t been myself since. This was the best I’ve felt since my crash, so I hope with two more weeks of preparation we will be better,” Connolly said.

Teammate Alex Larwood also recorded an improved result, finishing seventh in the SX2 main event.

Larwood’s preparation for the Australian Supercross Championship was interrupted by his commitment to representing Australia at the Motocross of Nations, leaving him with less time on the supercross bike than several of his rivals.

After a difficult opening to the season, Larwood said his confidence was beginning to return.

“That was better. I felt more comfortable, and my confidence is coming back.

“I know I’m behind in preparation, but the truth is I was up front last year, so it’s hard not to get frustrated.

“This weekend was fun. We have two weeks now, so I’ll keep doing laps and hopefully come out with another result like this one, or better,” Larwood said.

NEWCASTLE TO DECIDE BOTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2026 Australian Supercross season will conclude in Newcastle, where both the AUSX and Australian Supercross Championships will be decided.

The two competitions run concurrently but feature different championship structures, with AUSX contested over five rounds and the Australian Supercross Championship comprising four.

Craig heads into the finale leading both SX1 championship campaigns, while McAdoo remains firmly in contention for the SX2 titles.

Despite Honda’s strong Perth results, neither championship has been secured, leaving the team with plenty at stake in Newcastle.

Factory Honda Racing will also be hoping for improved performances from its remaining SX2 riders, particularly defending champion Ryder Kingsford, who has struggled to turn his pace into results this season.

With the championship finale approaching, Craig and McAdoo will be looking to convert their points positions into titles, while their rivals have one final opportunity to upset Honda’s championship ambitions.