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Cole Davies makes New Zealand motocross history with AMA championship win
Erin Speedy • August 31st, 2026 1:00 pm
Cole Davies claimed his first AMA National Motocross Championship title in the 250SMX class on his 19th birthday | Photo: Derek Morrison/SMX
From Waitoki to the top of American Supercross and motocross, Cole Davies has etched his name into the history books.
Taking out the United States AMA Pro Motocross 250 Championship at Ironman over the weekend, Davies has become the first Kiwi to win a prestigious American motocross championship title.
Riding for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, Davies clinched the title at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, on August 29, his 19th birthday.
It caps off an extraordinary first full season of professional motocross racing in the USA for Davies.
Standing on the podium and being presented with the championship plate, Davies said he expected nothing less than to be holding it at the end of the season.
“What a journey it's been. I've worked my whole life to get to where I am now and I'm just grateful to be in the position I'm in, grateful for all the people around me, striving to be the best I can," Davies said.
“To accomplish this, I feel like it's pretty big. I feel like there's more to come. I want to break some records and I just want to keep working at that and keep coming.”
Cole Davies competing in the 250SMX Championship of the Pro Motocross Championship | Photo: SMX
Already etching his name in the history books earlier this year, Davies claimed the 250SX East Supercross Championship.
This means he has claimed both the USA Supercross and Pro Motocross championship double in the same season – the only New Zealand rider to ever achieve the feat, and the third youngest to do so.
He is also just the 13th ever to claim both championships in the same season.
Davies is only the second New Zealander to win an AMA Supercross divisional championship, following in the footsteps of Ben Townley, who achieved the feat in 2007.
Cole Davies represents a new generation of Kiwi motocross riders on the global stage | The Rural Roundup
For his manager Will Hahn, the potential of Davies was never really in doubt as he became emotional speaking about the 19-year-old's achievement.
“I saw it four years ago, the potential was always there - it was extremely high,” Hahn said.
“It's been a hell of a journey for this kid, his family, everybody. What a moment. What a birthday.”
Davies also thanked the people in his corner, including his mechanic Lachie, whom he brought over from New Zealand, and his family.
His father, Wayne Davies - who operates an earthworks business in Waitoki - was there for the historic moment, alongside his mother Michelle, who spends her time between New Zealand and the United States, and one of Cole's three sisters.
After a season of highs and lows, Davies said holding the championship plate made it all worthwhile.
“It's been an up-and-down season. It's my first pro MX season, but to be holding this plate, it's all worth it.”
Ben Townley praises New Zealand's motocross setup for riders | The Rural Roundup
