Ken Roczen to headline AUSX Open at Geelong
Jett and Hunter might not be coming to Australia this year, but another huge star is set to take their place in a new-look AUSX OpenKen Roczen will headline a new-look AUSX Open as the event heads to Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium for the first time in 2026.
The new venue replaces Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, which hosted the AUSX Open in 2019, 2024 and 2025. It also staged rounds of the World Supercross Championship (WSX) in 2022 and 2023.
Geelong’s appointment completes an overhauled Australian Supercross Championship calendar, which also includes rounds in Townsville, Auckland, Perth and Newcastle.
German superstar Roczen will compete against Australia and New Zealand’s best local talent for the AUSX Open crown, with the event also forming part of the broader championship.
Roczen won the AMA Supercross 450 title for the first time earlier this year after a well-documented comeback from a serious arm injury.
His presence at the 2026 AUSX Open will provide local fans with some consolation after it was announced that Australian stars Jett and Hunter Lawrence would not compete this year.
Roczen’s last appearances in Australia came in 2022 and 2023, when he claimed the WSX crown on both occasions at Marvel Stadium.
The man in charge of those WSX events was Adam Bailey, who is now CEO of the AUSX Open.
“Ken Roczen is an absolute icon of Supercross globally and his championship win this year will be remembered as one of the most emotional in our sport’s history,” Bailey said.
“To have him confirmed for this year’s Boost Mobile AUSX Open is such an honour and an incredible opportunity for Aussie fans.”
The Lawrence brothers have headlined the AUSX Open for the past two years; however, they have opted to take a break from their packed schedules in 2026.
While the move to the slightly smaller GMHBA Stadium should help offset any drop in attendance resulting from the Lawrences’ absence, it also creates other opportunities for organisers.
GMHBA Stadium, home of the Geelong Cats AFL club, offers a larger floor area, allowing for a more expansive track design.
The venue will also accommodate an open pit paddock and an expanded Monster Energy Fan Fest, giving fans an enhanced race-day experience.
It remains unclear whether further international rider announcements will be made, but New Zealand star Cole Davies is scheduled to compete in Auckland the week before, meaning an appearance in Geelong is a possibility.
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