In sweltering 33-degree heat and punishing humidity, Australia’s motocross champions took on Indianapolis in Round 9 of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship this past weekend. It wasn’t just a race against the competition, it was a race against the elements.
This special three-round campaign, made possible by Quad Lock, Honda Australia, and American Honda, marks a rare collaboration between continents and sponsors, giving Australia’s best the chance to test themselves in one of the toughest environments in the sport. For many, the weekend was less about results and more about laying the foundations for bigger goals ahead.
“Coming straight from winter racing in Australia to this kind of heat was always going to be a challenge,” said Honda Racing Australia Team Director, Yarrive Konsky. “We had no time on the bikes here, no time to acclimatise, and the conditions were extreme. But this trip is about more than one weekend, it’s about learning, adapting, and preparing for what’s next.”
For Kyle Webster, the race doubled as a reconnaissance mission ahead of representing Australia at the Motocross of Nations on the very same track in just two months.
“In Moto 1, I pushed into the top 10 before the heat hit me hard around the 20-minute mark,” Webster admitted. “Back home it’s been 8–15 degrees, here it was over 30 with high humidity. My body just wasn’t ready for that shock. We made the call to sit out the second moto, save energy, and stick to our bigger plan.”
In MX2, Brodie Connolly made his U.S. debut and found similar challenges.
“I was as quick as the top six and ten in some sectors, which gave me confidence,” Connolly said. “But the heat just drained me, it’s hard to explain until you’re in it. I learnt a lot and now I know exactly where I need to improve.”
The Combine brought heartbreak for MX3 Champion Kayd Kingsford, who broke his wrist in practice but still managed to finish 11th overall. Despite the pain, he left hungry for more:
“I know what it takes now, and I’ll put my head down. There’s a gap, but it’s a gap I’m determined to close.”
Women’s championship contender Charli Cannon kept her championship hopes alive with a 2-2 result, moving to second overall.
“I want to win, of course, but I’m rebuilding after hand surgery. Patience is part of the process, and I’ll keep pushing.”
For Konsky, the weekend’s results were only part of the story.
“At Honda, we don’t just build motorcycles, futures are built. Competing here opens doors for Honda riders to grow, compete, and be recognised globally. The heat may have beaten us this weekend, but the experience will make us stronger.”
The team now turns its focus to Round 10 at Unadilla, with eyes still firmly on the bigger picture, growth, long-term success, and the dream of winning on any stage, in any conditions. Its fair to say this is the begging for Charli and Brodie’s global aspirations.
