Image: Supplied.

The opening round of the 2022 World Supercross Championship (WSX) came as ‘a real learning experience’ for SX2 contender Wilson Todd, gaining valuable insight on the world stage on his way ninth overall.

Honda Genuine Fire Power Honda Racing’s Todd last raced supercross in 2019, with the season-opener in Wales marking the first time he has raced the discipline internationally.

The three-time Australian MX2 champion qualified 12th and finished his heat race in P7. The first final saw Todd well outside of the top 15 in the initial stages, but he was able to elevate to 13th by the race’s completion.

Final two was his best outing, as the North Queenslander shot out of the gate to lead the early moments of the race and ultimately finish fifth position, before completing the event P12 in the super final to land ninth overall in SX2.

“It was a tough weekend with stiff competition,” Todd recalled. “A real learning experience! I had decent starts, but just got pushed wide seeing as I had an outside gate.

“I ended up pulling the holeshot in the second one and held on for as long as I could. I ended up ninth overall, so it was a good way to start. I cannot wait to see everyone in Melbourne!”

Todd is expected to ride supercross full-time in 2023, beginning with a stint in Monster Energy AMA Supercross riding 250SX and then likely going on to contest WSX and the Australian national championship in the back-half of the year.

Round two of WSX this year takes place at Marvel Stadium Melbourne on 21-22 October, where Todd will also compete in round one Australian Supercross Championship (AUSX) in SX2 with Honda Racing, set to be contested on the Friday night.