While our neighbours across the ditch may have stolen the pavlova, Vegemite and Crowded House, their performance at the MXon meant their victory was, well, I hate to admit it, thoroughly deserved and well-earned. There, I said it. The MXoN does several things that neither the European-based FIM World Championships or the AMA can do. Top of that list for us sitting on the sofa is the ability to quell the season-long argument about who is fastest – the winner in Europe or the victor in the U. S of A? The Brothers Lawrence hit that discussion clean outta the park. Ably assisted in MX2 by the consistently quick Kyle Webster, the Australian team was the same as last year, where they broke new ground with their maiden win of the event. Fast forward a year and they made it look almost easy, despite Jett Lawrence having an uncharacteristic tumble – and still coming home in a podium spot … Meanwhile, Hunter Lawrence had no such issues. With Webster battling hard to gain every vital point possible, the Aussie Dream Team saw off Team USA with France coming third. Another great twist in the MXoN is usually the riders are on different bikes and usually ride for different teams but the MXoN sees compatriots join forces. Honda likely see it differently as the Australians are all Honda pilots, cementing the smiles on those from Honda Japan who were there to watch the action. Another highlight for them was Jo Shimoda, stepping up to the 450 and owning it. Kay de Wolf took out the MX2 class on his Husqvarna, giving the Netherlands a gold medal for his efforts and obviously thrilled in the mixed-competition event to come out on top. The other totally different aspect of MXoN is there are no championship points for other competitions, just the chance to represent your country. No points, no prize money, racing for pure pride.