Australia dominates motocross ‘Olympics’ with back-to-back titles

Team Australia has made history, securing its second straight Motocross of Nations title after a dominant performance in the United States this morning.

Sunshine Coast brothers Hunter and Jett Lawrence were reunited with West Australian Kyle Webster to defend 2024 title they won in England.

It is the first time a country has gone back-to-back in the “Olympics” of motocross since France won five straight from 2014 to 2018.

A motocross rider riding his bike fast and flicking up dirt behind him on a motocross track. — Hunter Lawrence went 1-1 to win both of his races at Indiana. (Supplied: MXGP)

Hunter Lawrence led the charge, winning both of his races in the open class to help solidify Australia’s top spot.

“I’m at a loss for words right now,” he said.

“I’m thankful for everyone that was behind us — the amazing nation of Australia behind us.

“I am so proud of the team. Kyle rode his heart out but got put on the ground in both the first turns and charged back.”

Two motocross races hug on the side of the track while their motorbike is laying on its side. — Jett and Hunter Lawrence share a hug after securing Australia’s second consecutive title. (Supplied: MXGP)

Each rider competes in their individual class (Open, MXGP and MX2), receiving points reflective of where they finish.

Hunter Lawrence was awarded one point for each win and Jett was awarded one point for his first win and three for his third-place finish.

Following the completion of the final race, the team’s points are tallied and the country with the lowest points total wins.

“My boys here — Kyle and Jett — mate, they rode unreal,” Hunter said.

“Australia, we did it, baby, back to back.“

Jett Lawrence set the tone early in the day, securing a win in the first MXGP (450cc) race but struggled at the start of the second race.

He managed to fight his way back to third place.

“I ended up just losing traction in that first turn and you can’t let that happen with a bunch of 450s — they swallow you up,” he said.

“I executed my start really well and came in and got on the gas and it just spun on me, then I collected a rider on the first lap, and it made it hard on me.”

Webster battled through two crashes to finish 13th and 15th in the MX2 (250cc) class.

“I’m so proud to be up here with these two guys, they’re absolute savages. [I’m] on top of the world at the moment,”

Webster said.

“It’s unreal.”

Golden age for the sport

It capped a memorable weekend for Motorcycling Australia, which also celebrated victory at the Speedway of Nations in Poland.

Two young men spraying champagne on the victory podium. — Jett Lawrence and his brother, Hunter, were dominant, winning three out of their four races. (Supplied: Motorcycling Australia)

CEO Peter Doyle said it was a landmark moment for the sport in Australia.

“To see our teams simultaneously win the two premier team world championships in motocross and speedway in the same weekend is simply phenomenal,” he said.

“The back-to-back Motocross of Nations victory, achieved against the toughest competition on American soil, speaks volumes about the talent, dedication, and world-class professionalism of Jett, Hunter and Kyle.