Image: AUS-X Open.

American Justin Brayton’s dominance in the 2016 Australian Supercross Championship saw him clinch the crown with a round to spare on the opening night at AUS-X Open.

The Honda Genuine Racing rider soared to the opening three wins of the season before an additional pair of podiums at rounds four and five enabled him to win the title early.

It was a landmark result for the experienced top-line US import Brayton and the Yarrive Konsky-operated satellite Honda organisation, which operates as a supercross-only team.

“It really is awesome,” said an elated Brayton moments after celebrating with his team. “It’s been a great experience, I’m just so happy to get this for the Honda Genuine Racing team, my mechanic Brent and my wife and family. I’m happy to get this number one plate on the bike for next year and hopefully [I can] be back for some more.”

After Saturday night’s victory slipped through his clutches with a mistake while leading on lap 16 of 20, allowing home hero Chad Reed to edge past, the championship will take the pressure off entering Sunday’s AUS-X Open.

“I knew if the win presented itself, which it did as I was in the lead and going hard, then I would take it,” Brayton continued. “If it didn’t, I wasn’t going to stress about it or push too hard and make mistake to throw away the championship. I think Sunday will be fun, it’s going to be stress free and hopefully I can go out there, have fun and win the race.”

Not yet announced what he will be doing back in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season for 2017, Brayton has already expressed interest in defending his Australian title next season.