Image: Foremost Media.

A convincing performance from Honda Genuine Polyflor Honda Racing’s Justin Brayton saw him overcome Aaron Tanti to win the season-opening 2022 Australian Supercross Championship (AUSX) SX1 bout in Melbourne.

Brayton showed strength when it counted to make his intentions for a fifth Australian SX1 title clear with victory at Marvel Stadium.

In the early stages, Aaron Tanti (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy) passed Matt Moss (BBR 102 Motorsports) at the start of lap three for the lead and edged out an ever-so-slight advantage. Six laps later Brayton made a move on Moss in the split lane and then moments after Tanti had a massive moment through the whoops, allowing Brayton to close the gap and come through.

Tanti fought back immediately to retake the lead as Brayton relentlessly applied the pressure from behind. Brayton again used the split lane to his advantage on lap 14 to make what was a decisive pass for victory, ultimately finishing 7.4s ahead of the number nine.

Fastest qualifier Dean Wilson (Honda Racing) overcame Moss for third and applied immense pressure on Tanti in the closing laps. Hayden Mellross (GasGas Racing Team) elevated through Dylan Wills (Husqvarna Racing Team) and Moss to secure P4, with the number 102 completing the top five and sixth a solid result for Wills in his premier class debut.

Kyle Webster (Honda Racing) crossed the line seventh, ahead of Jackson Richardson (Empire Kawasaki), Dylan Wood (KTM) and Joel Cigliano (Kawasaki).

Notably, Luke Clout (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy) crashed out of podium contention on lap three and then ran into further troubles a lap later before ultimately retiring from the race. Brett Metcalfe (KTM Racing Team) did not contest the final after his heat race fall.

The series now moves to Adelaide next weekend for round two as Brayton holds the early red plate.

Detailed results