This season’s New Zealand Motocross Championship has changed up its format with two South Island rounds in November, followed by two North Island rounds in February 2026.
Yamaha Motor New Zealand returns once again as the 2026 championship’s naming-rights sponsor for the third consecutive year. The brand, which has racing embedded in its DNA, also sponsored the national motocross championship in 2025, 2024 and 2020.
Altherm JCR Yamaha Team Manager Josh Coppins says: “It’s great that Yamaha is involved again. It aligns with our racing values and supporting the sport as a whole. Obviously, we have had a bLU cRU pathway for some time and this sponsorship not only helps this road map to success but all riders; the series; the development of riders to the international market; future club riders and future champions.”
“It’s a win-win for all involved and we are excited to be a part of it again. We look forward to a great championship season and are excited to make the most of the new calendar spread across 2025/2026,” Coppins says.
Motorcycling New Zealand Operations Manager Vicky Hicks says the organisation is grateful to have Yamaha Motor New Zealand back on board as the main sponsor for this season’s Motocross Championship.
“Motorcycling New Zealand is pleased to welcome Yamaha Motor New Zealand back as our naming rights sponsor for the 2026 Championship. Their continued support is a huge boost for our sport and we have built a strong relationship over the years. We are excited to be working alongside Yamaha again this year to deliver another great series.”
Entries are not yet open for the four-round national series but most of last season’s front runners are likely to return to defend their titles.
Mangakino’s Maximus Purvis won the top-tier MX1 class in the 2025 Yamaha New Zealand Motocross Championship in March, finishing 15 points ahead of defending champion Hamish Harwood, of Takaka, and 18 points ahead of Mount Maunganui’s Josiah Natzke.
Raetihi rider Karaitiana Horne won the women’s class title for the second consecutive year ahead of Taupo’s Mikayla Griffiths and Hamilton rider Amie Roberts.
Tauranga’s Madoc Dixon tasted the sweet success of winning the MX2 (250cc) class, with Auckland’s Cobie Bourke runner-up and Taihape rider Hayden Smith third.
In the 125cc class, it was rising star Hayden Draper who claimed the MX125 Championship trophy – an impressive feat considering he was doing double duties racing in the MX2 class as well. Auckland’s Jack Ellingham was runner-up and Rotorua’s Delton Manson was third.
The young guns battled it out in the Under 19 class with Pukehina’s Flynn Watts taking out the title, followed by Appleby’s Wills Harvey and Cody Griffiths (Taupo) in third.
New Plymouth’s Travis Taylor wrapped up the overall win in the non-championship MX3 class.
The national motocross championship pits Kiwi riders from the length and breadth of the country against each other and often attracts international competitors, which further raises the level of racing. Many of the class winners, or runners-up in the various categories often spread their wings and go on to sign with professional motocross teams, race for their country, or travel overseas to contest international competitions.
Caption: Altherm JCR Yamaha’s rider Maximus Purvis on his way to winning the MX1 title for the 2025 Yamaha Motor New Zealand Motocross Championship. Photo credit: CD Photography.
2025/2026 Yamaha Motor New Zealand Motocross Championship calendar:
Round 1 16 November 2025 – Invercargill
Round 2 22 November 2025 – Balclutha
Round 3 21 February 2026 – Tauranga
Round 4 28 February 2026 – Rotorua
