AMA supercross race winner and five-time Australian Supercross Champion, Justin Brayton has committed a return to Australia in 2023 to defend his FOX Australian Supercross Championship title.
The American will line up on Factory’s Honda CRF450R in the SX1 (450cc) and joins recently announced, Scottish sensation Dean Wilson and defending SX2 Australian Champion and FIM World Championship runner-up, Max Anstie, as part of the international riding contingent.
Adding weight to his title defence, the reigning and highly regarded champion shared he knows just how competitive 2023 will be but is hungrier than ever to win.
“Australia is like a second home, and I am excited to return to defend my Australian Supercross Championship title,” said Brayton.
“I am certainly not ready to retire – if I didn’t feel like I could be competitive I wouldn’t race.”
Brayton acknowledged the level of competition in Australia has improved significantly year on year and believes 2023 will be his toughest challenge yet.
“There are some exceptional riders in Australia. The likes of [Aaron] Tanti, [Luke] Clout, [Matt] Moss, [Kyle] Webster to name a few, as well as other international riders. This will be my toughest defence yet,” said Brayton,” Brayton continued.
“Honda Australia and Yarrive have been great to me and my family, and the Australian fans have been amazing. I love how welcomed we are by everyone, to the point I have often flirted with the idea of moving to Australia.
“First and foremost, though, I want to win, and I am looking forward to seeing my Australian friends and fans again come November,” Brayton concluded.
The confirmation of Brayton adds further firepower to the AUSX international rider line-up, with now both defending SX1 and SX2 champions, returning in 2023.
Championship Promoter AME Group’s Mick Sinclair, believes the confirmation of Brayton showcased both credibility of the series from a rider perspective, as well as the level of competitiveness we can expect to see in 2023.
“After chatting with riders and teams, the desire to win is significant – that’s why these international stars continue to return, together with our local riders’ desire to always ride against the best,” said Sinclair.
“Ultimately it makes for an ultra-competitive, fiercely fought Australian Supercross Championship which is why we race and what our fans want to see when gates drop each round.
“We’re delighted to have Justin, join Dean and Max, as international riders in 2023.”
With the international rider line up now including the likes of Brayton, Wilson, Anstie and more to be shortly announced, the addition of the new 85cc format and an expanded fan experience offering, the 2023 FOX Australian Supercross Championship is expected to draw large crowds across the three-round series.
2023 FOX Australian Supercross Championship Calendar:
Round 1: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, NSW – November 11
Round 2: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria – November 24
Round 3: Adelaide Showground, Adelaide, South Australia – December 2
