Cole Davies set for homecoming race at Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium
New Zealand Supercross motorcycle rider Cole Davies.
Young Kiwi dirt racer Cole Davies has become one of the most talked-about riders after winning the AMA Supercross 250SX East Championship.
The result did more than put his name in lights, it announced him as one of New Zealand’s brightest motorsport talents.
Now that the Supercross season has finished, Davies has turned his prodigious talent to the outdoor US Pro Motocross championship.
The 18-year-old hasn’t spent much time motocross racing and is relishing the challenge of competing in a completely different format and style of dirt racing.
“It’s completely different and a thing [motocross] in itself from Supercross,” Davies told the Weekend Herald.
“The races are different, the tracks are different, the way the day is set out is different as is the bike set-up. There’s no comparison, everything is completely different.
“Supercross probably comes a little bit easier to me. I feel I’m pretty precise so Supercross sort of suits me better. But it’s [motocross] coming along and I had a good practice this week and worked on a few things.”
Most fans of motocross would agree that things are definitely coming along for Davies. At the opening round of the series last weekend the Kiwi finished on the podium in third place.
“It was good and a decent start to this season. I have a few things to work on, but I feel like I’ve made a lot of good progress with everything. So hopefully that helps for my next race [this weekend].
“Supercross has short intense races while motocross has long motos that are still intense but different. The two are both physical but in motocross it’s a bit more about endurance and being able to pace yourself a bit more.
“I’d probably say the two are a bit like chalk and cheese. I’m liking the challenge though and hopefully will get better at outdoor racing,” said Davies.
A round of the AUSX Supercross Championship has been confirmed for Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium on Saturday, October 31, 2026 and it’s the first time the championship has returned to New Zealand since 2019.
The biggest drawcard will be Davies who’s excited about being able to race in front of a home crowd for the first time in a number of years.
Davies grew up just up the road from the North Harbour Stadium in Waitoki.
It will be a homecoming in front of family, friends and the New Zealand fans who have followed his rapid climb from promising kid to international champion.
“Coming home to race in front of Kiwi fans, my friends and family at North Harbour Stadium is going to be one of the most special moments of my career.
“I’m excited and it’ll be cool. It’s the first time I’m going to race in New Zealand for about four years.
“Growing up on the North Shore, this is something I could only dream about as a kid. To return home after racing in the US and put on a show for the local fans is going to be great.
“The atmosphere is going to be unreal and I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone back home,” he said.
For New Zealand Supercross fans, it will be the sport’s biggest local moment in years.
After the Auckland event, Davies heads to Melbourne for another round of the AUSX Supercross Championship, which he’s chuffed about as it’s a good pre-season workout before he heads back to the US for his next AMA Supercross series.