Capping off a dominant 2023 Australian Supercross Championship from the Honda Racing Australia team, Dean Wilson (SX1), Max Anstie (SX2) and Parker Ross (SX3) were crowned Australian Supercross Champions of their respective classes.
A vibrant Melbourne witnessed the culmination of an incredible season as Marvel Stadium was transformed into a dirt bike mecca. The full-size SX track set the stage for the crowning of three Australian Champions and an intense battle for minor placings across SX1, SX2, and SX3 classes. Adding to the excitement, the 85cc riders attacked the track in a high-stakes competition for the inaugural CR22 cup title.
SX1
Wilson, entered the SX1 final in Melbourne needing only two points to claim the championship, and knowing nothing was guaranteed, the pressure was palpable as gates dropped for the SX1 Main Event.
Kyle Webster briefly took the lead, but it was Luke Clout who asserted dominance. Despite Wilson’s impressive charge through the field to second place, Clout held firm, securing victory followed by Wilson and the seasoned five time champion Justin Brayton.
Clout’s triumph marks a remarkable comeback after recent injuries, with emotions spilling on the finish line.
A solid second position capped off Wilson’s exceptional year and earned him the 2023 Australian Supercross Championship title on 122 points. Clout’s breakthrough secured him second place in the championship (95), just one point ahead of Monster Energy CDR Yamaha teammate Josh Hill in third (94).
Dean Wilson was happy to win his first Australian Championship and credits the team with his rejuvenated performances.
“I really needed this, and the team deserved it,” Wilson said. “Everyone has put in so much hard work. I’ve had an incredible time in Australia, and I hope to be back here next year, reliving it all. Thanks to Honda Australia and everyone involved. Winning again feels fantastic.”
SX2
Max Anstie came into the night with one hand already on the 2023 Australian Supercross SX2 trophy, after strong performances in the first two championship rounds at Adelaide and Newcastle. As the 250’s roared to life, the fiery number-one Honda swiftly surged into the lead, seamlessly continuing his dominance from the previous round. Trailing closely behind were teammate Wilson Todd and heat one race victor, Cole Thompson, Thompson marking the final race meeting for the Serco Yamaha Racing team after 22 years of triumphant racing in Australia.
At the forefront of the pack, the Brit showcased unwavering control, and relentlessly hammered out laps, hitting his marks and building a gap on Todd. As the candles lit on the finish-line jump, Anstie whipped his bike in celebration of his second Australian Supercross Championship title. Todd secured a commendable second position, while Canadian Cole Thompson crossed the finish line in third place.
In the Championship standings, it was Anstie, Nathan Crawford who finished fourth on the night and Cole Thompson who rounded out the 2023 Australian Championship top three.
“Competing here in Australia is an incredible experience, and having my dad here to witness my second championship in a row makes it even more special,” said Anstie.
Runner-up in the championship, Nathan Crawford was happy with a strong result. “What a season of Supercross it was,” Crawford shared on social media. “I made a mistake thinking I was out of contention for a good overall finish in the series following my poor result in Adelaide finishing ninth – the KTM Racing Racing Team and I rallied hard and I worked my ass off and we achieved second overall in the championship progressing from my overall result last year! I’m super proud of this result finishing second to a world-class ride like Max Anstie and I’m stoked to be able to deliver this result to my team who deserve it all!
SX3
In SX3, Seth Burchell secured the holeshot to kick off the action and take an early lead. However, after a mistake, Championship leader Parker Ross made his move and never looked back. As the laps unfolded, Burchell shadowed the Californian but was unable to get close enough to make any sort of threat. Behind Burchell was Travis Olander, who broke through for his first podium.
Ross’ impressive moves through the whoops and consistent riding earned him the SX3 title, rewarding a consistent AUSX season. Drew took out second place in the championship, while Kayd Kingsford was third.
“This is absolutely fantastic, my first championship in Australia. The entire team has treated me like family—they’re amazing. The bike performed so good. I want to express my gratitude to Polyflor and Honda for giving me the opportunity to compete in Australia,” Ross said of his championship win.
CR22 Cup
The 85cc CR22 Cup once again delivered thrilling action in what will be a night to remember for the 12–14-year-olds racing at Marvel Stadium. Cooper Ford was on another level, ripping his way to a six second lead and crossing the line ahead of Lachlan Allen and Jack Nunn. His commanding win secured the first ever CR22 Cup title, ahead of Nunn and Lachlan Allen.
