Factory Honda Australia has confirmed American star Christian Craig will make his AUSX debut in 2026, joining defending SX1 Champion Dean Wilson as part of the team’s growing SX1 line-up.
The announcement will give North Queensland fans their first opportunity to see Wilson and Craig on track together when the AUSX season opens at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on Saturday, October 3.
Wilson enters the 2026 championship carrying the number-one plate after securing his second AUSX SX1 crown in 2025. The Scottish fan favourite, who also claimed the title in 2023, brings an impressive résumé that includes the 2011 AMA Pro Motocross 250 Championship, five AMA Pro Motocross victories and premier-class podium finishes in the United States.
Joining Wilson, Craig brings plenty of international experience of his own, having claimed the 2022 AMA 250SX West Championship, seven AMA Supercross victories and a top-five finish in the AMA Pro Motocross 450 Championship.
Factory Honda Australia Owner Yarrive Konsky said the pairing reflected the team’s ambitions and the growing international standing of AUSX, while hinting that further announcements are still to come.
“Dean and Christian are proven at the highest level, but reputations won’t win races,” Konsky said.
“They’re two incredibly competitive riders, and they’ll be lining up against a deep field of Australian and international talent. We’re bringing the experience, personnel and preparation of our international program to AUSX this year, and there’s more still to announce across the team’s entire line-up.”
Wilson, who has claimed Australian SX1 titles in 2023 and 2025, is looking forward to returning to the championship and defending his number-one plate.
“I’m pumped to be coming back to AUSX, racing with the number-one plate,” Wilson said.
“The Championship just keeps getting bigger and the field this year is going to be stacked. Christian is obviously a great rider, and I know how fast he is, so it’s going to be fun having him over here and part of it.
“I love racing in Australia; the fans are unreal and Townsville is going to be an epic way to kick things off. I’m ready to go — bring it on.”
For Craig, his first AUSX campaign adds a new challenge to his 2026 season, with the American keen to test himself against the Australian and international field.
“Getting the chance to race AUSX Supercross for the first time means a lot to me,” Craig said. “I’ve followed what the Championship has been doing and I’m excited to finally get the opportunity to race it with the Factory Honda Team.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there in Townsville, racing in front of the Australian fans and seeing where I stack up,” he concluded.
