The Territory will become Australia's home of the FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) - with the major motorsport event to rev up the Territory economy with an almost $21 million boost, attracting thousands of fans and delivering work opportunities for more than 100 Territorians.
After a 24-year absence, the FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) returns to Australia in 2025, with Darwin securing the event with a landmark agreement between the Territory Labor Government and MXGP rights-holder Infront Moto Racing.
The Australian-exclusive deal will see the spectacular event delivered by the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) - made possible by support and investment from the Territory Labor Government - with Motorcycling Australia as a key partner. The deal runs from September 2025 until 2029, with an option to extend the collaboration beyond the initial five-year term.
Budget 2024 will see the Territory Labor Government invest $1.65 million into building a permanent track for this event at Hidden Valley. This is on top of the $3 million investment into the wider Hidden Valley Masterplan implementation.
The MXGP is an exclusive opportunity to showcase the Territory to an international audience, reaching 727 million viewership across 180 countries; attract domestic and international visitors; and deliver on priorities from the NT's Tourism Industry Strategy 2030.
MXGP will be held over three days in 2025, attracting thousands of fans, with close to 2,000 international participants and support crew each year.
The annual economic impact of the MXGP will increase the Territory's gross regional product of $20.9 million per annum, and create 82 direct FTE jobs and 26 indirect FTE jobs every year.
The MXGP of Australia will also feature the established MXGP and MX2 classes as well as the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship and a national support class. This is the first time the women's event will take place in Australia.
With a rich vein of talent coming through the ProMX national ranks in Australia, the MXGP round in Darwin will provide an opportunity for local stars to make a massive impact in the world's premier motocross championship - just like their predecessors did in 2000 and 2001.
The full 2025 MXGP world championship calendar will be announced later this year, including when the world's best motocross riders will be ripping it up in Darwin.
For all the latest on the FIM Motocross World Championship and the upcoming Australian round, visit [http://www.mxgp.com].
For key dates and ticket sale information, please visit here.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:
"My Government will always talk the Territory up and deliver major events that create work opportunities for Territorians and support local businesses.
"Territorians love their motorsport and we are the obvious choice to be the Australian home of the FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP).
"Because we are investing in bringing the FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) to Darwin we will attract thousands of fans to the Territory and boost our economy by over $20 million each year. This is millions of dollars extra going into our restaurants, hotels and retailers in a shoulder period."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Major Events Brent Potter:
"The FIM Motocross World Championship is like no other event in the world. We will see world class motocross and support our local businesses while it happens.
"Budget 2024 also invests $1.65 million for a new dedicated track at Hidden Valley. This is good for workers and industry."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport Kate Worden:
"Motorsport is a very popular recreation activity in the Northern Territory. Having an event from the Motocross World Championships in Darwin is a major coup for motorsport fans.
Quotes attributable to David Luongo, Chief Executive Officer - Infront Moto Racing (Global Rights Holder FIM World Motocross Championship)
"We are really excited to bring the MXGP to Australia and to Darwin, which marks a triumphant return to this vibrant country. The anticipation among Australian fans to get their Grand Prix is unparalleled, as they have been waiting and vocals about a round in their homeland for many years now. Additionally, hosting the event in Australia not only solidifies its status as a major player in the global motocross scene but also highlights our commitment to showcasing this thrilling sport to fans worldwide and extending the overseas rounds. We look forward to witnessing the immense enthusiasm and support from both local and international fans as Australia will becomes part of the MXGP Calendar from 2025 onwards."
Quotes attributable to Suzana Bishop, Chief Executive Officer - Northern Territory Major Events Company
"This is big. The MXGP is an incredibly popular and high-profile major sporting event and to be able to host it here in the Territory is a real coup. It's also incredible to be showcasing the women's event, which has never before been held in Australia.
"The MXGP will extend the calendar of major events in the NT, boosting tourism and local business. Not only are thousands of Australian fans expected to attend the inaugural Darwin round, but a huge contingent of international visitors will also make the journey as the city becomes the epicentre of world motocross."
Quotes attributable to Peter Doyle, Chief Executive Officer - Motorcycling Australia
"Motorcycling Australia is delighted to see the FIM Motocross World Championship make its long-awaited return Down Under. Motocross racing at the highest level is electrifying, and I can't wait to see the world's best riders battling it out with Australia's emerging ProMX stars in Darwin. It will be fast and furious from start to finish, with local and international fans in for an absolute treat.
"I'd like to congratulate the Northern Territory Government's Northern Territory Major Events Company and Infront Moto Racing on forming this new partnership, with Motorcycling Australia providing all the support it can to make the MXGP round in Darwin a resounding success."
Northern Territory Government
