After an 18-year absence, South Africa might be set to welcome the MXGP World Championship back to its shores in 2026.
The last time the series visited the country was back in 2008 at Alkmaar Raceway in Nelspruit, and since then, South African fans have had to travel far to catch the world’s best motocross riders in action.
It’s thought that the 2026 South African Grand Prix could take place on the 9th and 10th of May, with the Terra Topia Motocross track in Gauteng tipped as the likely venue. Sources suggest the track is expected to undergo significant upgrades ahead of the MXGP round to meet the championship’s high standards.
If confirmed, the return of MXGP to South Africa will be a major boost for local fans, who rarely get the chance to see top-level motocross in person. It will also mark a special moment for riders such as Camden McLellan, who, while used to calling Lommel his “home GP,” would experience a true home race in South Africa. Factory Ducati’s Calvin Vlaanderen will also have the opportunity to race in front of his home crowd, and Tristan Purdon, who is expected to contest the European rounds of MXGP in 2026, may fit the South African Grand Prix into his schedule as well.
The 2026 MXGP calendar is set to see several exciting changes. New venues include Almonte in Spain, Lacapelle Marival for the French GP, Montevarchi in Italy, and the return of Foxhill for the British GP. These additions bring a mix of fresh circuits and classic tracks back to the championship, shaking up the calendar and offering new challenges for riders.
Meanwhile, the TBA round scheduled for 25th and 26th April is expected to take place somewhere in Europe and will feature a round of the EMX125 series.
As always, we’ll continue to monitor the paddock and provide updates once the South African round is officially confirmed. For now, South African motocross fans can dream of welcoming the MXGP back home for the first time in nearly two decades.
