The event marked Round 2 of the AUSX Championship and the opening round of the Australian Supercross Championship, with both premier classes contested across three finals. SX1 riders completed three 12-lap races, while SX2 featured three 10-lap finals.
SX1 – CRAIG TAKES THE FIGHT TO ROCZEN
Christian Craig delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, finishing 2-2-2 across the three SX1 finals and pushing reigning AMA Supercross Champion Ken Roczen throughout the night.
Craig’s lap times were consistently within tenths of Roczen, giving the American confidence heading into the remaining rounds. He now leads the AUSX SX1 Championship and sits second in the Australian Supercross standings.
“I haven’t been that close to Kenny in forever, honestly. The bike feels great, everything feels good. I’ve had a great pre-season, I can’t fault anything, and I’m having fun with the team. I think those are two very important things,” Craig said.
“It’s been a tough season, with small injuries that slowed me down and made training difficult. But the past few months have been good, and I’m starting to feel like myself again. This is me when I’m having fun and feeling good on the bike.”
Teammate Austin Politelli endured a difficult night after a crash in the lead-up to the event restricted his preparation. Another crash in the opening final further compromised his result, leaving him sixth in the Australian Supercross Championship.
“I need to be racing for podiums, but I was racing hurt tonight. We don’t have a huge turnaround, but we’ll get some solid days in this week and be better going into Geelong,” Politelli said.
SX2 – FIVE HONDAS FINISH INSIDE TOP TEN
Honda riders occupied five of the top ten positions in SX2, finishing second, third, fourth, sixth and ninth.
American Cameron McAdoo secured second overall despite arriving in New Zealand on Friday after his flight was turned around and struggling with illness.
“We learn every time we hit the track. The truth is, I was under the weather, and our plane got turned around, so I only got here on Friday and wasn’t feeling great. I’m happy with the progress we’re making,” McAdoo said.
Ryder Kingsford completed the podium in third, producing three consistent finals despite breaking his collarbone just a month earlier.
“I’m happy with my riding. I broke my collarbone a month ago, so to be up here this early is positive. I feel like myself again on the bike and was having fun out there. We banked some good points,” Kingsford said.
Brodie Connolly, winner of the opening AUSX round, finished fourth while still recovering from a midweek crash. The result leaves him tied with McAdoo at the top of the AUSX SX2 Championship standings.
Kayd Kingsford finished sixth but admitted inconsistent starts prevented him from challenging further up the field.
“My starts need work. My second race was strong, and I felt comfortable out there. My starts were just too inconsistent. We’ll get to work this week,” Kingsford said.
Alex Larwood completed Honda’s top-ten presence in ninth after entering the event with limited Supercross preparation following his involvement in Australia’s Motocross of Nations campaign.
“I’m glad I got through it. Preparation for Supercross has been challenging, as my focus was on the MX of Nations. I’ve had less than five days on a Supercross track, and some of those days have been in the rain. We’ll continue to build each week,” Larwood said.
There was also a setback for the team’s SX3 rider Heath Fisher, who crashed in the opening final and is suspected to have suffered a broken scapula. Further medical examinations are scheduled.
HONDA TARGETS CHAMPIONSHIP LEADS AT GEELONG
With Craig leading SX1 and McAdoo and Connolly tied for the SX2 lead in AUSX, Quad Lock Honda heads to its home round in Geelong in a strong championship position.
Team Director Yarrive Konsky said the priority in New Zealand was collecting points rather than taking unnecessary risks against international competitors.
“We came in wanting to leave with strong points. We knew Ken and Cole were doing two rounds, and we discussed not taking unnecessary risks,” Konsky said.
“Christian was really strong and very impressive. We’re also in a good position in the 250 class.
“We’ll keep our heads down and focus on the upcoming rounds. The goal is to be on the top step at the final round, holding the number one plates.
“It’s a game of maturity and patience.”
Honda now turns its attention to Geelong, where Craig will look to maintain his SX1 championship lead while McAdoo and Connolly continue their battle at the top of SX2.
