AUSX Open set to rock Marvel Stadium

Marvel Stadium has hosted raucous crowds for both Oasis and Metallica in recent weeks, but the biggest roar at the Melbourne venue might come tomorrow night when Jett and Hunter Lawrence take to the track for the annual AUSX Open.

The US-based superstars are back in their Australian homeland for the second year running and will line up aboard specially prepared Honda CRF450R race bikes alongside Australia’s best and a host of international guns.

Organisers will be hoping for a crowd north of 40,000 at the venue, which is more accustomed to hosting AFL games. An estimated 42,000 turned up in 2024 to watch Hunter Lawrence win the event.

Retired American star Adam Cianciarulo and event ambassador and described the event as “world class.”

Multi-time SX1 champion Justin Brayton added: “The level here is as good as anywhere in the world – AUSX Open continues to grow every year.”

The Lawrence brothers are coming off a successful year in which they finished 1–2 in the high-stakes SuperMotocross series and won a second straight Motocross of Nations title as part of Team Australia.

Looking relaxed and glad to be back in their home country, the Lawrences spoke of the importance of the event to them.

“We look forward to this event all year,” said Hunter. “We’ve been itching to get down here. We’re full of beans and ready to go racing.”

Jett added: “I just want to make sure I put on a good race for the Aussie fans.”

But while many eyes in the crowd will be on Jett and Hunter, the remainder of the field will have their vision set on the overall AUSX Supercross Championship, with the Melbourne event acting as round four of five.

Scottish legend Dean Wilson sits comfortably at the top of the SX1 table after a controversial round in Cronulla, where he was only confirmed as the winner after a successful appeal over the result. He has also continued to ride at a high level through the series despite suffering personal tragedy with the death of his mother.

“I’m feeling good and healthy,” Wilson told media at Marvel today. “When the body is right, I ride well. So I’m looking forward to the weekend.”

At today’s press conference at Marvel Stadium, Wilson cut a focused and determined figure as the Lawrence boys fielded most of the questions from the media. The Scot will no doubt be eager to stamp his authority on the series and claim an upset win over Jett and Hunter.

The SX1 field will also include Cedric Soubeyras, Phil Nicoletti, Luke Clout, Aaron Tanti, Dylan Walsh and Hayden Mellross.

Meanwhile, American Lux Turner leads the SX2 title race over Aussies Ryder Kingsford and Alex Larwood, while reigning champ Shane McElrath is back from America after missing the third round at Cronulla.

The AUS-X Open kicks off tomorrow morning (November 22), with the popular Pit Party scheduled for 11:00 am. Fans will get their first look at the Lawrence brothers from 12:30 pm during practice, while the event officially opens at 6:00 pm.