We are pleased to confirm that the 2026 New Zealand Motocross Championship are locked in and shaping up to deliver another great season of competition across the country.
This year’s championship will feature the following premier classes:
MX 1, MX 2, 125cc, Women’s (MXW)
Support classes will be
MX 3 and 85cc cup
As we look to the future of motocross in New Zealand, there has been some key changes to this year’s series, changes that the Motocross Commission believe will help develop and strengthen our sport across all levels.
One of the additions is the introduction of an 85cc Cup at the first two rounds of the Championship. This initiative is aimed at support the development of our younger riders, giving them a taste of the national stage. We have seen success of similar initiatives internationally – such as the EMX 65cc class running alongside selected MXGP rounds, as well as the Pro MX Championship in Australia hosting a 85cc Cup at selected rounds, and the benefits are clear. The recent success of New Zealand’s Jaggar Townley who finished third overall in Europe, shows what is possible when young riders are given opportunities to race at the highest level.
Another change is that the Women’s (MXW) class will not feature at every round of the Championship for 2026. In 2026, it will be held as a three-round series, including one round to be held at the NZ Motocross Grand Prix (Woodville). The decision to to host MXW at every round was made after reviewing participation numbers and identifying how best to build a sustainable future for the series. To further strengthen and celebrate this class we are proud to announce the introduction of the Katherine Prumm Trophy, which will be awarded to the overall winner of the 2026 MXW Championship. This trophy is named in honour of one of New Zealand’s greats, and will feature the names of all past Women’s Champions, recognising those who paved the way.
We are committed to growing women’s motocross in New Zealand, and need the support of the motocross community to make that happen. We encourage Clubs to include women’s classes in their events and urge riders to back those classes. Growth starts from the ground up.
We are anticipating some of the closest racing yet in the MX1, MX2, 125cc & MXW classes, with a strong field of riders already signaling their intent to line up for the 2026 season. With a mix of returning champions, and new challengers and rising starts, we can expect close racing.
Motorcycling New Zealand members receive exclusive discounts, including on ferry crossings and fuel. Use your MNZ membership (licence) to obtain these discounts – Member Benefits
The four rounds of the 2026 NZ Motocross Championship are as follows:
Round 1
16 November 2025 – Southland
Classes:Â MX 1, MX 2, 125cc, MX 3 & 85cc Cup
Round 2
22 November 2025 – South Otago
Classes:Â MX 1, MX 2, 125cc, MX 3 & 85cc Cup
Round 3
21 February 2026 – Tauranga
Classes:Â MX 1, MX 2, 125cc, MX 3
Round 4
28 February 2026 – Rotorua
Classes:Â MX 1, MX 2, 125cc, MX 3
NZ MXW Championship
Round 1
25 January 2026 – Woodville
Round 2
21 February 2026 – Tauranga
Round 3
28 February 2026 – Rotorua
