Defending champion Justin Brayton (Penrite Honda Racing) has topped SX1 qualifying ahead of tonight’s opening round of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship.

American star Brayton posted a 22.526s to lead practice pace-setter Luke Clout (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy) by 0.468s inside the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

It was Clout’s teammate Dan Reardon (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy) in third with a 23.326s, the top five filled by Jesse Dobson (Husqvarna) and Brett Metcalfe (Penrite Honda Racing).

Positions six through 10 included Empire Kawasaki’s Lawson Bopping and Dylan Long, plus Jayden Rykers (SB Motorsports Suzuki), Jesse Madden (Honda) and Richie Evans (Yamalube Yamaha Racing).

A couple of notable names further down the order were two-time SX2 champion Jackson Richardson (Rockstar Energy Honda) in P13 as he debuts in the premier class and the still-recovering national champion Todd Waters (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) in 14th.

American Chris Blose (Penrite Honda Racing) qualified quickest in SX2 this afternoon, his 22.820s lap-time the only rider in class beneath the 23s bracket within the tight confines of the entertainment centre.

Behind him came defending champion Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing) as the first Australian, 0.549s in arrears and directly ahead of Aaron Tanti (Serco Yamaha). The top five was completed by Mitchell Oldenburg (Penrite Honda Racing) and Jacob Hayes (Serco Yamaha).

Returning import Bradley Taft (Empire Kawasaki Racing) was sixth, followed by Connor Tierney (Yamaha), Joshua Osby (Raceline KTM Thor), outdoor champion Wilson Todd (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) and Kaleb Barham (Husqvarna) completing the top 10.

Tonight’s official opening commences from 6:15pm AEST, with a unique double-header format including B-mains to open the championship for both the SX1 and SX2 categories.

Detailed results