A first-career SX1 podium for Dylan Wills in just his third premier class appearance at Newcastle on Saturday night marked a season-high for the Husqvarna Racing Team revelation.

Wills stepped up to the factory-backed FC 450 in the 2022 Fox Australian Supercross Championship (AUSX) and has swiftly adapted, claiming second overall in round three’s Triple Crown.

The 26-year-old’s result came despite an incident in qualifying that cut open his chin and required stitches before the night show began. Still, he was able to deliver a remarkable 3-3-4 scorecard in the trio of finals and stand on the podium alongside Matt Moss (BBR 102 Motorsports) and Justin Brayton (Honda Racing).

“I’m really happy with this result and to enjoy it with the team,” Wills recalled. “Today started rough when I went a little long in a rhythm section and smacked my head on the ‘bars on the up-ramp of the triple, so receiving five stitches in my chin wasn’t an ideal way to start the day… I have a sore jaw and my face is a little puffy, but I decided to go out and ride smart in the night show.

“After a third in my heat, I went 3-3-4 in the finals to finish second overall on the night. I’m so stoked! The team and I have been working all year for this and after a tough outdoors in the MX2 class, I’ve turned it around for my ‘home’ race here in supercross.”

Wills is now fourth in the championship standings entering this weekend’s final round of the season in Wagga Wagga. He claimed sixth position in both Melbourne and Adelaide prior to his breakout podium at McDonald Jones Stadium.