For the first time in 18 years, the world's premier motocross championship returned to South African soil, with Johannesburg hosting the 11th round of the 2026 FIM World Motocross Championship (MXGP).
Held at the revamped Terra Topia MX track in Midrand on Sunday, 5 July, the event saw the world's best riders compete across the MXGP and MX2 classes, battling it out over two high intensity races.
Both classes featured a strong South African contingent, including Calvin Vlaanderen in MXGP and Johannesburg-born local favourite Camden McLellan, who races for the Triumph Racing Factory Team in MX2.
The homegrown stars delivered impressive performances in front of an enthusiastic local crowd. Vlaanderen finished eighth in MXGP Race 1 before charging to fourth in Race 2. McLellan secured fifth in MX2 Race 1 and narrowly missed the podium in Race 2, crossing the line in fourth.
Their performances earned Vlaanderen fourth overall for the weekend, while McLellan finished fifth in the MX2 standings.
Reflecting on racing at home, McLellan said: "I am disappointed and feel like I let myself down off the gate in both motos, but man, South Africa, you made this one so special. I will never forget the energy and emotions I experienced this weekend on the track. I am so proud to be South African and to be able to call this place home."