AMA Supercross race winner and five-time Australian Supercross champion Justin Brayton has committed to return to Australia this year to defend his FOX Australian SX1 title.
The American will line up on Factory’s Honda CRF450R in the SX1 (450cc) class and joins recently announced, Scottish sensation Dean Wilson and defending SX2 Australian Champion Max Anstie as part of the international riding contingent.
Adding weight to his title defense, the reigning and highly regarded champion shared he knows just how competitive this season will be, but is hungrier than ever to win.
“Australia is like a second home, and I am excited to return to defend my Australian Supercross Championship title,” said Brayton. “I am certainly not ready to retire — if I didn’t feel like I could be competitive I wouldn’t race.”
Brayton acknowledged the level of competition in Australia has improved significantly year on year and believes that this will be his toughest challenge yet.
“There are some exceptional riders in Australia. The likes of [Aaron] Tanti, [Luke] Clout, [Matt] Moss, [Kyle] Webster to name a few, as well as other international riders. This will be my toughest defense yet,” said Brayton. “Honda Australia and Yarrive have been great to me and my family, and the Australia fans have been amazing.
“I love how welcomed we are by everyone, to the point I have often flirted with the idea of moving to Australia. First and foremost, though, I want to win, and I am looking forward to seeing my Australian friends and fans again come November.”
The confirmation of Brayton adds further firepower to the AUSX international rider line-up, with now both defending SX1 and SX2 champions returning in 2023.
Championship Promoter AME Group’s Mick Sinclair believes the confirmation of Brayton showcased both credibility of the series from a rider perspective, as well as the level of competitiveness that can be expected this year.
“After chatting with riders and teams, the desire to win is significant — that’s why these international stars continue to return, together with our local riders’ desire to always ride against the best,” said Sinclair. “Ultimately it makes for an ultra-competitive, fiercely fought Australian Supercross Championship which is why we race and what our fans want to see when gates drop each round.”