Following the success of Mister Motocross (Mr. MX) in 1976, the series really blossomed in 1977 with good backing, a big budget and the lion’s share of the publicity.

For the first time, the Australian national motocross series became international and included Auckland (NZ) and two other rounds were added – Tivolli (QLD) and Noble Falls (WA).

New Zealand hosted the opening round on 20 March 1977, followed by Tivolli, Wallan (VIC), Clarendon (SA), Noble Falls, with the final at Amaroo Park (NSW) on 11 September.

The series bought the Kiwis into the fray for the first time too, with Suzuki rider Ivan Miller fighting a long battle with New South Wales riders Stephen Gall (Yamaha) and Anthony Gunter (Suzuki) for the title.

Miller convincingly won the opening round at Auckland, winning all three motos – with the local riders completely dominating the event, including Gary Goodfellow (Suzuki) and Peter Boyle (Suzuki), who later immigrated to Australia.  Stephen Gall was the highest placed Australian, just squeezing into the Top 10.

Auckland was a disastrous start to the season for reigning Mr. MX champion Anthony Gunter after crashing heavily and seriously injuring his leg to finish without any points on the day. 

But ‘Grunt’, as he was nicknamed, displayed his fighting ability and after several months of physiotherapy, was ready to defend his title at the second round in Queensland.

Miller continued his fine form at Tivoli (QLD) and led the series after two rounds. But then it was his turn for bad luck, with the Kiwi Champion breaking his leg in round 3 at Wallan in Victoria.

With Miller unable to contest round 4 the following week in Clarendon (SA), Gunter took the lead – just three points ahead of Miller, who was 15 points ahead of Gall.

As the fifth round at Noble Falls was cancelled, Miller was able to contest the final round at Amaroo Park in September.  But despite four solid third placings behind Gall and Gunter, who this time had the home track advantage, he slipped to third in the final overall placings.

Gall was the overall winner on the day with three wins and a second, enabling him to pass Miller for second overall in the series by just two points.

A win and three second placings in the final round was enough for Gunter to win the overall Mr. MX series, finishing on 191 points, ahead of Gall (179) and Miller (177).  Gary Goodfellow (NZ, Suzuki, 90) was fourth ahead of Ron Dinsdale (VIC, Montesa, 76) in fifth. 

In 1977, Anthony Gunter created history becoming the first rider to win back-to-back Mr. MX series and more than one title.