With international motocross, supercross and off-road championships now in full-swing, and our own domestic series’ just weeks away from joining them, we’ve highlighted seven of our most highly-anticipated events of 2018 for this latest instalment of Countdown.

Image: Simon Makker.

7. Las Vegas AMA supercross finals:
Following 16 gruelling rounds of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, the 17th and final round in Las Vegas is always a special one. Not only will champions be crowned across all three categories, but the racing will take place on a uniquely designed circuit, providing exceptional racing to close out the series. We can’t wait for this one on 5 May.

6. MXGP of Belgium:
The MXGP World Championship is a long one with many exciting and exotics rounds in the calendar, but the grand prix of Belgium is certainly one to look out for. The Lommel circuit is regarded as one of the most challenging and demanding venues in the world, largely thanks to its deep sand. The track really speaks traditional motocross, and it’s going to be exciting to see it sort the men the from boys on 5 August.

5. MX Nationals season-opener:
Without a doubt, the Pirelli MX Nationals opener at Newry in Victoria is up there with our most anticipated events of the year. After a long off-season, it’s always exciting to see riders hit the track in their first national hit-out. This year there are several team changes, along with manufacturer changes, and we’re counting down the days until the bikes roll out onto the circuit on 15 April.

Image: AUS-X Open.

4. Australian Four-Day Enduro (A4DE):
After the disappointing cancellation of the 2017 Yamaha Australian Four-Day Enduro, the event will return to its birthplace of Cessnock in New South Wales, on 3-7 April. It marks the 40th anniversary of the A4DE, making this year’s edition a little more special. There is a highly-competitive crop of riders in the domestic off-road scene at the moment, so it’s bound to be a spectacular four days of racing.

3. Coolum’s MX Nationals finale:
Coolum’s MX Nationals finale is not only one of our favourite events to attend, it’s also one of the favourite events for the entire MX Nationals contingent. The sandy Coolum circuit always delivers its fair share of interesting moments, and the weekend is never short of controversy as the MX1 and MX2 titles are decided. What’s even better is that this round is hosted over two days on the 11-12 August weekend, and with a selection of support classes, there’s simply no shortage of on-track action.

2. RedBud’s Motocross of Nations (MXoN):
The Motocross of Nations is where every motocross fan across the globe tunes in and backs their country to take out the Chamberlains Trophy. We simply love the MXoN and getting behind our Aussie compatriots, making it number two on our most anticipated events of the year. This year’s instalment is set for 7 October at the infamous RedBud circuit in the United States of America.

1. AUS-X Open:
Sydney’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open takes the number one spot, which is something we can all agree on. The event is such an incredible weekend of racing and entertainment, right from the pit party through to the on-track action. Throw in the international stars, Australian supercross regulars and a huge crowd inside Qudos Bank Arena, it provides a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere that leaves us hanging for the next one year after year. Keep an eye out for this one in the final months of the year (date TBA).