Image: Foremost Media.

An incident while preparing for the upcoming 2025 Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship will see wildcard entry Nathan Crawford withdraw from the inaugural MXGP of Australia in Darwin next weekend.

The current ProMX MX1 national number two has revealed that a crash left him with pain in his ankle, despite scans upon further examinations coming back clear of any significant damage.

As a result, the 27-year-old KTM Racing Team rider has halted plans to contest the one-off motocross race in favour of recovering for domestic supercross, which commences with Redcliffe’s double-header at Kayo Stadium on October 11-12.

“Unfortunately, the team and I have mutually agreed to sit this MXGP of Darwin out,” Crawford told MotoOnline. “About a week ago, I had a little crash – got super lucky, went and got scans on my ankle, and everything came back clear. It’s just some bone bruising in there.

“But with the short turnaround and trying to juggle motocross and supercross at the same time, we decided it’s best to let it settle for a week or two. Between the team and myself, we felt it was the right call to skip MXGP and focus on supercross, making sure the foot heals properly.

“Obviously, our main focus has always been supercross and MXGP was going to be more of a fun race to be part of. I’m super-bummed about this small setback, but at the same time, I know we can do really well in supercross and that’s the reason behind sitting this one out.”

Crawford had been the highest-ranked domestic competitor confirmed for the MXGP finale set to take place in Darwin from September 19-21, with his withdrawal adding a dent to the wildcard line-up set to feature later this month.