Purvis versus Natzke as MX Nationals fire up in Tokoroa

• Purvis and Natzke lead the MX1 title battle, with KTM’s Ryley Fitzpatrick aiming to join the fight.
• Phoenix Van Dusschoten steps into MX2, Karaitiana Horne tackles double duty and Taylor Thompson returns from injury.
• Racing takes place at Amisfield on Saturday, November 14, with spectator gates opening at 8am.

The 2027 Yamaha New Zealand Motocross Championships begin this Saturday, with Maximus Purvis defending his MX1 crown, Josiah Natzke chasing the next step and fresh team line-ups adding interest across the classes.

Words: BRM

The calendar might still say 2026, but the chase for New Zealand’s 2027 motocross titles starts this weekend. And if the pre-season form is anything to go by, anyone wanting Maximus Purvis’ MX1 crown is going to have to work for it.

Tokoroa’s Amisfield track hosts the opening round of the four-event Yamaha New Zealand Motocross Championships on Saturday, November 14. With its mix of big jumps, fast sections and increasingly rough ground, it should provide a decent examination of who has put the work in before the first gate drops.

Purvis sets the benchmark

Defending champion Purvis arrives with momentum after sweeping the MX1 racing at last month’s MX Fest in Taupō. The Monster Energy JCR Yamaha rider has since managed to squeeze more riding into a busy spring, helped by his father taking on extra hours in the family earthmoving business.

“I’m feeling good and have been getting a bit more riding in now. More than before,” says Purvis.

That is encouraging news for the Mangakino rider. For the opposition, perhaps less so.

Leading that challenge is Honda Motul Racing’s Josiah Natzke, who has a fresh 2027 CRF450R and a clear ambition. Third in the 2025 MX1 championship and runner-up in 2026, he has just one more step to take.

“Ultimately, my goal is to win the championship,” Natzke says.

It sets up an appealing contest between an established champion with strong early form and a challenger determined to turn steady progress into a title.

CML KTM Racing’s Ryley Fitzpatrick will be looking to interrupt that conversation. Fourth overall in his debut New Zealand championship campaign last season, he returns on a KTM 450 SX-F with podium finishes in his sights. Purvis and Natzke might command the headlines, but Fitzpatrick has good reason to be eyeing the same piece of silverware.

New class, same ambition

Phoenix Van Dusschoten is another rider carrying confidence out of MX Fest.

The reigning MX125 champion has moved onto an FC 250 with LMC Husqvarna for his MX2 campaign. His victory in the class at Taupō suggests the step up has done little to slow him down.

Originally from Levin and now based in Auckland, Van Dusschoten will face opposition including James Scott, Jack Ellingham, Jared Hannon and Jack Treloar.

CML KTM also brings an interesting pairing to MX2. Scottish-born Alexander Brown tackles his first New Zealand championship aboard a 250 SX-F after getting acquainted with local tracks through club racing. Alongside him, enduro and cross-country racer Ryan Hayward will run a KTM 250 SX two-stroke, using the series to sharpen his motocross race craft against the country’s best.

One significant name will be missing from the opening round: defending MX2 champion Hayden Draper, whose Australian supercross commitments clash with Tokoroa.

That gives the rest of the field an opportunity to establish an early advantage, although Van Dusschoten’s assessment suggests nobody should expect an easy start.

Horne doubles down

Karaitiana Horne could have one of the busiest days in the paddock.

The reigning women’s champion will defend her WMX title while also lining up against the MX2 men, making this her first attempt at racing two classes at senior level.

That means preparing for six demanding 20-minute motos in one day. On a track that gets rougher as the meeting progresses, fitness will matter just as much as outright speed.

Horne has been racing in Australia this year, recording top-10 finishes against strong opposition. The Raetihi rider now brings that experience home as she pursues another women’s title and tests herself in MX2.

There is a comeback to follow in the women’s field, too. LMC Husqvarna’s Taylor Thompson returns aboard an FC 250 after six months off the bike recovering from knee surgery. For Thompson, the championship offers a chance to rebuild race fitness and confidence as she works her way back into competitive form.

Fresh contenders in MX125

With Van Dusschoten moving up, the MX125 contest offers another storyline to follow.

Tauranga’s Ethan Carleton heads into his second senior national season after winning the 125cc two-stroke class at MX Fest. The 17-year-old will race a Husqvarna TC 125 with LMC Husqvarna, having combined riding with weights and cardio work in preparation for the championship.

Last season’s runner-up, Waipukurau’s Carson Carroll, will also have his sights on the title.

MX3 support racing completes the five-class programme, giving spectators plenty to follow beyond the headline MX1 battle.

Heading along

Amisfield Motocross Park is on Moffat Road, Tokoroa, with spectator gates opening at 8am on Saturday, November 14.

Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for children/students aged 5–18, or $40 for a family. Children under five enter free.

The championship moves to Patetonga later this month before taking a summer break, with the final two rounds in Taranaki and Rotorua in February.

For the story behind this milestone season, read 75 Editions of Kiwi Motocross: The Nationals Return to Amisfield, including MNZ’s video following Purvis and Natzke as they prepare for the opener.

2027 championship calendar