On a night of world-class racing, local star Hunter Lawrence secured a stunning victory in the final race at the AUSX Open – the fifth and final round of the 2024 Australian Supercross Championships.
Meanwhile, Americans Joey Savatgy and Shane McElrath were crowned the overall SX1 and SX2 champions respectively, capping an intense and dramatic season.
Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Victoria, welcomed more than 42,000 fans for Australia’s largest-ever Supercross event, providing a homecoming stage for supercross stars Jett and Hunter Lawrence as well as former AMA supercross champion Cooper Webb.
This iconic event not only delivered individual race wins but also crowned the 2024 SX1, SX2, and SX3 champions, following a season that spanned Brisbane, Wollongong, Adelaide, and Melbourne.
SX1: High Drama and Triumph
The SX1 class was the center-piece of the night, offering intense battles and dramatic moments. Hunter Lawrence fought through mid-pack starts to claim two wins from the night’s three races, ending his season with a triumphant flourish.
“It was incredible. The adrenaline rush from the stadium was unreal,” Hunter said.
“That feeling was honestly a cooler feeling than winning my championships. Having the country behind you is unreal, we cop a lot of (negative) stuff in America, so to feel that at home is unreal. It’s tough to put into words.”
Savatgy overcame significant adversity, including a flat rear tyre in the final race, to secure his first premier-class Australian Supercross Championship. “It was stressful – more than I wanted,” Savatgy admitted.
“But I’m proud of the effort. We came with big goals, and while tonight didn’t go to plan, we achieved the ultimate one.”
Australian Hunter Lawrence (Honda) delighted the huge crowd in Melbourne on Saturday.
The defending champion, Scotland’s Dean Wilson, riding with an injured shoulder, delivered a gutsy second-place finish in the finale, earning admiration from fans.
Meanwhile, Jett Lawrence, despite winning Superpole and finishing second in the first race, was sidelined by bike damage from a minor crash.
Reflecting on his homecoming, Lawrence said:
“Coming back here and feeling the support of 42,000 fans – it’s a feeling money can’t buy.”
The night didn’t go as planned for Webb either. After winning the opening moto and looking like the rider to beat, he collided with another bike and was thrown to the ground, injuring his wrist. Fortunately, there was no major damage, but severe bruising forced him to sit out the remainder of the night’s racing.
“Just wanted to give everyone an AUS update,” Webb said on social media. “Won race one and then had an unfortunate incident with Mossy in race two and went down. Fortunately, all good just some whiplash. Appreciate all the love and hate that I didn’t get to finish the night out for the Aussie fans.”
SX2: McElrath’s Masterclass
In the SX2 class, McElrath dominated to claim the championship in style. With calculated brilliance, McElrath secured a clean sweep across the night’s three races.
“This is a big win – mentally, physically, and for the team,” McElrath said. “I’m thankful for everyone who supported me on this journey.”
Canada’s Cole Thompson, while disappointed not to clinch the championship, expressed satisfaction with his overall performance.
Kayden Minear showcased incredible consistency and speed, while Canadian rider Thompson and New Zealand’s Brodie Connolly added intensity to the competition, completing an all-Honda final race podium.
“I aimed to pass my team-mate Connolly in points, and I achieved that. I made too many mistakes this year, but my speed was there. Second is better than third, and this team and bike are incredible, which is clear when we take 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall,” said Thompson.
Bay of Plenty’s Connolly impressed in his first Supercross season, finishing third overall and showcasing podium potential.
“I came in with an open mind and learned so much from my team and teammates. This is a great foundation, and I know exactly what to work on for next year,” said Connolly.
SX3: Future Stars Shine
The SX3 class highlighted the raw talent of Supercross’s rising stars. Kayd Kingsford claimed the night’s win, while Jake Cannon battled back from a poor start to secure a podium and finish second in the championship standings.
“I had the pace to win but made costly mistakes. Consistency will be my focus moving forward. It’s been a great year, and I’m grateful to the team for their support,” Cannon lamented.
The 2024 title went to Seth Burchell, who edged out his rivals by just four points after a season of consistent performances.
CR22 85cc: A Championship Decider
The 85cc class offered one of the night’s most thrilling contests. Seth Thomas and Jack Nunn entered the final race with the championship on the line.
Thomas took an early lead and maintained his composure as Nunn worked hard and stayed with him for most of the race but ultimately slid out with a couple of laps to go allowing Thomas to cruise to victory, earning the 2024 crown.
Tate Reed claimed second place to the delight of his father and class sponsor, Chad Reed, who had the honour of presenting the race trophies. A disappointed Nunn rounded out the podium.
A Season to Remember
The 2024 Australian Supercross Championship delivered near-capacity crowds, unmatched excitement, and world-class performances. From Brisbane to Melbourne, the season has set a new benchmark for the sport in Australia.
Kelly Bailey, AME Director and AUSX Open Event Director, celebrated the season’s success:
“This season has shown what can be achieved through the passion and dedication of teams, sponsors, and fans. We’re already looking forward to an even bigger and better 2025.”
The 2024 season ended on a high, cementing Australian Supercross as a global spectacle and thrilling fans across the nation.
RESULTS:
AUSX Open – SX1
1 Hunter Lawrence (Honda HRC)
2 Jed Beaton (Yamaha, CDR Yamaha Monster Energy)
3 Dean Wilson (Honda, Froth/SCT Logistics)
2024 Australian Supercross Championship, SX1
1 Joey Savatgy (Honda, Froth / Honda HRC) – 115 points
2 Dean Wilson (Honda, Froth / SCT Logistics / Honda Racing) – 109 points
3 Luke Clout (Kawasaki, Empire Kawasaki) – 96 points
AUSX Open – SX2
1 Shane McElrath (Honda, Polyflor / Froth / Honda Racing)
2 Col Thompson (Honda, Polyflor / Froth / Honda Racing)
3 Kayden Minear (KTM, KTM Race Team)
2024 Australian Supercross Championships, SX2
1 Shane McElrath (Honda, Polyflor / Froth / Honda Racing) – 113 points
2 Col Thompson (Honda, Polyflor / Froth / Honda Racing) – 96 points
3 Brodie Connolly (Honda, Polyflor / Froth / Honda Racing) – 94 points
AUSX Open SX3
1 Kayd Kingsford (Yamaha, Yamaha Racing Team)
2 Jake Cannon (Honda, Honda Racing)
3 Cooper Rowe (Husqvarna, Husqvarna Racing Team)
2024 Australian Supercross Championships, SX3
1 Seth Burchell (Yamaha, Yamaha Racing Team) – 102 points
2 Jake Cannon (Honda, Honda Racing) – 98 points
3 Koby Hantis (Yamaha, Yamaha Racing Team) – 91 points
Photo courtesy Honda
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