Back in 1984 Australia had yet to compete in the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, and even their first appearance on the international stage, they failed to make the A-main and struggled big time.
Without an international level rider, the Aussies couldn’t have been expected to battle the best in the world, but it didn’t take them long before they found that rider. Jeff Leisk, who was a regular top ten guy in the AMA series in 1987, before moving to Europe and being World number two in the 1989 500cc championship was good enough to fight for moto wins and major points.
In 1986, at the fabulous Maggiora MXdN, the Aussies finished fourth in the event and were constant top ten teams, thanks to the efforts of Leisk, Craig Dack and Glen Bell. Names like Chad Reed, Dean Ferris, Andrew McFarlane, Micheal Byrne and Todd Waters saw them claim some solid results, with the Reed led Aussie team finishing on the podium in 2011, the first time they achieved such a success.
Reed was also the first Australian rider to win a moto at the MXoN, taking a win in Namur in 2001. Reed also won a moto in 2011, but it wasn’t until the Lawrence brothers, Hunter and Jett arrived that the Australian team was suddenly a serious contender.
Hunter winning the MX2 class in 2017 saw a new era arrive, and when his brother won the Open class in 2022. That year Australia finished third overall. A year later they finished second overall and then in 2024, it was their first victory in the events history.
It was obvious, that these two HRC factory riders were the future of this event and this year’s complete domination was no surprise. Hunter going 1-1 and winning the Open class and Jett going 1-3 for the overall win in the MXGP class. Added to the 15-13 by Kyle Webster, after their MX2 rider crashed on the first corner of both races.
“The first Race was tough,” Hunter Lawrence would say. “I was on the ground way too much, more than I have been all year, but we cleaned it up in the last one. It feels amazing. I’m so thankful for everyone behind us, for the incredible support from Australia and the fans here in America. My boys, Kyle [Webster] and Jett [Lawrence] were unreal all weekend. I’m beyond stoked, so proud, and just grateful to share this moment with everyone. Open moto the track is tough and hard to push. It was a good moto, but I cross rutted and nearly hit the flag marshal.”
As for Hunter Lawrence, his contribution was sensational and despite having to watch his brother win title after title, the older Lawrence brother stayed motivated and at the Ironman circuit proved too strong for everyone.
“I am lost for words right now, come talk to me later. I am a little tired, Kyle rode his heart out, Jett unreal first moto. Australia, we did its baby, back-to-back. I had two (bad moments in moto two) and a pretty bad ride, pretty sloppy. Got caught the track is very slippery and now time for the next one.”
Now Team Australia will try and add to their two wins in 2026, at the famous MXoN circuit of Ernée. Another win will make them the sixth most successful nation in the events history, behind only USA, Great Britain, Belgium, Sweden and France, five powerhouse nations of motocross.
It might have taken the Aussies 40 years go get that first win, but now they have a taste for it and it’s hard to see these two Lawrence brothers beaten in the near future.
MXoN All-time Winners list
USA 23
Great Britain 16
Belgium 15
Sweden 7
France 7
Australia 2
Italy 2
USSR 2
Czech Republic 1
Germany 1
Photo credit: Honda
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