THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
STAGING LANES
As the 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship continues, more and more companies have come on board in support of ANDRA racers.
Since the last issue of Fastlane Magazine, ANDRA has been pleased to announce the following partnerships:
• Three Dimensional Construction as sponsor of the Super Gas bracket
• Shinko Motorcycle Tyres as part of the ANDRA Racer Support program, supporting Competition Bike
• Maxima Racing Oils Australia as part of the ANDRA Racer Support program, supporting Top Sportsman
• Race Parts Melbourne as part of the ANDRA Racer Support program, supporting Modified
These great companies join the following as valued supporters of ANDRA racers as part of the ANDRA Sportsman Championship:
• Bracket sponsors: Gallagher (Modified), the South Australian Drag Racers Association (Super Sedan), Goodyear Racing (Super Street), New Gen Business Park (Competition Bike, Junior Drag Bike, Supercharged Outlaws), Goodyear Racing (Super Street), and Ballistic Performance Parts (Modified Bike).
• Racer Support Program sponsors: Ballistic Performance Parts (Modified Bike, Junior Drag Bike), Atlantic Oils (Super Sedan), Powerplus Racing Fuels (Supercharged Outlaws, Super Gas), Speedflow Products (Supercharged Outlaws, Super Street).
• Contingency Program sponsors: Goodyear Racing, Penske Racing Shocks and NTT Racing.
If you would like to add your support to the series either as a bracket, racer support program, or contingency program sponsor, or would like to discuss other ways you can be involved, please email info@andra.com.au
CEO UPDATE
With 2025 coming to a close, focus now turns to 2026. We have so much to look forward to as Australia’s drag racing peak body, starting with a return to Sydney Dragway in January.
The ANDRA Drag Racing Masters is shaping up to return ANDRA to Sydney in a big way.
Round 7 of the ANDRA Championship will attract big numbers from interstate, as members look for championship points (and bonus points on offer), and the opportunity to race at the penultimate round in Sydney. With a strong contingent of local Sydney competitors expected, there is no reason why upwards of 200 competitors won’t fill the pits.
With confirmation that Doorslammer will join Pro Mod and Extreme Bike as our promotional drawcards, the day will be filled with first class racing. As we go to press, we may even be able to add Pro Stock to the program in the coming days!
On the other side of the country, I am also looking forward to the re-opening of the Motorplex once the upgrades have been completed. While we still do not know when that will be, the plans are in place for a relaunch worthy of the grand
opening celebration.
While the new track surface will be primed for record setting performances, we will also have a new big screen and new lighting for the drag strip, among other upgrades. With both Perth and Sydney online, we can expect that the ANDRA Championship will expand to accommodate more rounds in 2026/27, with up to twelve tentatively pencilled in.
Administratively, we have completed a lot of the ground work which will see projects come to fruition next year. Officials training will be stepped up to further support our volunteers who attend our race meetings, and a nitrohandling course will be online, to educate the specifics of using nitro across various categories. Work will continue on our governance standards, with reviews across all committees, their effectiveness and identifying where improvements may be made.
We also need to implement some mechanisms to resolve conflicts between competitors, competitor groups and different states, to ensure fair and equitable decisions are made for the betterment of the organisation.
WA MEMBERS
While we wait for confirmation of a timeline for the recommencement of racing at the Perth Motorplex, WA members are reminded that all active memberships and drag licences on January 1 will receive a six month extension free of charge.
In the meantime, we encourage WA competitors to take the opportunity to race interstate if they can, particularly through the holiday period. Any WA competitor who races in Sydney will receive a free nomination for the re-opening of the Motorplex, at the date to be determined.
FOCUS NOW ON 2026
There is a lot to be excited about, and a lot of growth potential for ANDRA.
Have a great Christmas and a safe holiday period. Make sure that where you can, you support our rounds at Portland & Sydney, while supporting Track Championship rounds at Dragway at the Bend.
See you at the track.
Tim McAvaney
Dragway at the Bend will also offer a $100 discount for WA competitors at their January Track Championship rounds (January 17 and January 18 only).
December 6-7
ANDRA Chief Executive Officer Tim McAvaney
Photo thanks to BrightDesign.com.au
ANDRA AGM REVIEW
The ANDRA AGM for financial year 2024/2025 was conducted on the afternoon of Friday 21 November, with a large contingent of members present in person and online.
Chair, Katie Cassar delivered her Chairperson Report, and amongst other things highlighted the success of the ANDRA Sportsman Series, reintroduced after a year hiatus, thanking the members for their support, and thanking the sponsors and supporters who backed the series financially.
Cassar outlined the critical role that members play in directly influencing the perception of ANDRA’s image and the effect that actions and interactions have in shaping our brand, our community, and our reputation. Perception of our brand as credible, reliable and dependable is critical to our future growth.
Cassar acknowledged the continued work of the Finance and Audit Committee and summarised the considerable governance work completed over the year by the Board, including a governance assessment applying the Australian Sports Governance Standards and devising a workplan to address governance priorities, resulting in the implementation of a refreshed Board Charter & Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest Policy, and the comprehensive constitution review.
ANDRA CEO Tim McAvaney outlined ANDRA’s ability to stay relevant in a changing market, something very different to ten years ago, different to even five years ago.
ANDRA has diversified its operation and through its commercial arm and the lease of the Perth Motorplex, has been able to support the principle drag racing administration business. McAvaney thanked Motorplex General Manager Gavin Migro and the great team behind him.
McAvaney also thanked the volunteers, officials and supporters who make ANDRA tick and thanked dedicated and professional staff Scott Halfyard, Tammy Brown, Janelle Mannix and Amanda Cobb.
The Gallagher Volunteer of the Year was announced, with joint recognition for outstanding contribution to ANDRA awarded to Darrell Horley (WA) and Beth Hamilton Moderate (SA).
The Audited Financials were presented recording a $223,000 profit and McAvaney gave an insight into the strategy adopted by the Board to ensure ANDRA continues through a tight financial period whilst the Perth Motorplex drag strip is currently non-operational.
Those members present indicated that they now understood that ANDRA has considerable resources available to deal
ANDRA OFFICE CHRISTMAS CLOSURE DATES
with the downturn in revenue due to Perth’s drag strip closure.
Cassar announced the election of Aaron Brookes to the Board after being elected at a meeting of the Divisional Directors prior to the AGM. She confirmed the reappointment of David Thornton to the Board representing the ANDRA member tracks following a meeting of the track group in November.
Cassar thanked outgoing Director Murray O’Connor for his time on the Board, serving seven years, while Danya Borkowski and Wayne Downes who left the Board at different times through the year were also thanked for their contributions.
MGI Assurers (SA) Pty Ltd was again appointed as the company Auditor.
The proposed constitution changes subject of Special Business were presented by the Chair and matters raised in social media clarified. After discussion, a motion was passed to defer the business to enable member consultation.
It was agreed that a working party will be commissioned to assist with that communication strategy and this will occur in the new year.
If you have questions about the ANDRA AGM, please email info@andra.com.au
The ANDRA office will close on Friday 19 December 2025 and will re-open on Monday January 5 2026. Info@andra. com.au will be monitored from time to time during that period.
All at ANDRA wish you a happy and safe holiday season. If you need anything during this period, please contact your local Division Director. For their details, please click here.
ANDRA BOARD UPDATES
The Australian National Drag Racing Association is pleased to welcome Aaron Brookes to the ANDRA Board following his election at the Divisional Director Meeting held just prior to the ANDRA AGM on 21 November.
Brookes has been around drag racing his whole life – growing up around the sport and living down the road from Bob Shepherd, with who his mum was friends, he spent many race meetings in a pram. In 1997 Brookes got his licence and did some offstreet racing with various cars before licensing in a Competition Eliminator dragster a few years ago.
Based in Sydney’s South-West, Brookes has also been a proud steward since Sydney Dragway opened, the NSW Division Chief Steward since 2016, and has been a Tech Inspector and the Division’s Rule Committee representative since 2018.
Away from the track, Brookes – a qualified parts interpreter – has worked as a sales representative and business development manager for some of Australia’s major players in automotive parts which sees him in constant contact with the sport’s stakeholders, both participants and suppliers.
Also confirmed at the AGM was the reappointment of Board Director David Thornton for a further term, representing ANDRA Member Tracks following a meeting of the Track Group (ADRPA) in November.
Appointments to other key roles include continuing Director Tony Miskelly to the previously vacant position of Deputy Chairperson, as well as Tim Parker from South Coast Raceway (Portland) who was appointed by the ANDRA member tracks to the National Rules Committee.
ANDRA Chair Katie Cassar welcomed Aaron to the Board, while taking the opportunity to also recognise the outgoing members.
“Aaron is very well known and respected within the ANDRA drag racing community and brings a rich background and unique perspectives to the ANDRA Board,” Cassar said.
“I am looking forward to working with him and our continuing Board Directors as we move forward through the rest of this year and into 2026.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise those who are departing: Murray O’Connor left the Board as of
the ANDRA AGM after having served for seven years while Danya Borkowski and Wayne Downes left the Board earlier this year at different times.
“On behalf of ANDRA and our wider community, I sincerely thank Murray, Danya, and Wayne for their dedication to ANDRA drag racing and for their valued efforts as part of the ANDRA Board across their respective tenures. We wish them all the best for their future endeavours.”
The ANDRA board currently comprises of the following Directors, with a short list of independent candidates being interviewed now for the second independent position.
• Katie Cassar
• Tony Miskelly
• Trish Crossin
• David Thornton
• Craig Baker
• Aaron Brookes
To learn more about the ANDRA Board Members, go to www.andra.com.au/about-us/andraboard/
To learn more about ANDRA, visit www.andra.com.au
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR
The ANDRA Member Benefits Program has been created to offer its loyal members the opportunity to receive discounts to products from supporting companies. By joining the program, your business and products will be promoted to a performance-based target audience. Participating businesses of the ANDRA Member
Benefits Program receive promotion through ANDRA’s database of over 5000 members and race fans, as well as exposure through the ANDRA website and the regular MotorMail email newsletter. This is the perfect platform to launch new products, advertise monthly specials and any other sale promotions you may have.
FREE TO JOIN! MEMBER BENEFITS?
If you would like more information on the program or want to complete your free registration, please visit www.andra.com.au/directory/andra-member-benefits-program
To view a listing of all ANDRA Member Benefits Program offers, please go to www.andra.com.au/directory/member-benefits-program-directory
As a valued ANDRA business partner, you can receive maximum exposure through the ANDRA Drag Racing brand and its events. Your company will be showcased whenever and wherever possible and there is a host of ways you can support ANDRA drag racing, including investment in the following:
For more information and to discuss opportunities, contact info@andra.com.au
WEBSITE RECOGNITION
MOTOR MAIL FEATURE –
MOTOR MAIL IS OUR MEMBERS ONLY NEWSLETTER, CONTACT US TO SEE AN EXAMPLE IF YOU DON’T HAVE AN ANDRA MEMBER LOGIN
FACEBOOK/X/INSTAGRAM RECOGNITION
ANDRA SPORTSMAN CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
ANDRA SPORTSMAN CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SPONSORSHIP
Transit
COUNTDOWN TO SYDNEY
AFTER YEARS AWAY, ANDRA DRAG RACING IS COMING BACK TO SYDNEY DRAGWAY WITH THE ANDRA DRAG RACING MASTERS ON JANUARY 24
The clock is ticking, and Sydney Dragway is about to erupt: on January 24, 2026, the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) racing makes a long-awaited return to Sydney Dragway with the inaugural ANDRA Drag Racing Masters – a one-day spectacular which promises speed, spectacle, more than $70,000 in cash and prizes, and the chance to claim prestigious ANDRA Christmas Trees.
In exciting news, ANDRA is able to now announce that the Doorslammer Masters will be joining the headlining Pro Mod Masters and Extreme Motorcycle Masters for a standalone event ahead of the beginning of their 2026 championship season later in the year.
“The ANDRA Drag Racing Masters just keeps getting bigger and bigger, which is fitting really as it marks the return of ANDRA competition at Sydney Dragway
for the first time in years,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Tim McAvaney, said.
“To have the Doorslammer Masters joining the Pro Mod Masters and Extreme Motorcycle Masters as headliners for January 24 alongside all the stars and cars of the 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship is something we are really proud of.”
Top Doorslammer Association Secretary, Lisa Gregorini, agreed with McAvaney’s sentiments, forecasting a truly unmissable event.
“2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for Top Doorslammer and we are so stoked to be getting the year off to a great start at Sydney Dragway with a standalone event at the ANDRA Drag Racing Masters before we head into a highly competitive NDRC season,” Gregorini said.
“Our last season was one for the books and we honestly believe we are on the precipice of one of the biggest years ever for the fastest blown sedans in the country, and we absolutely can’t wait.
“January 24 at Sydney Dragway is going to be epic, so get your entries in or buy your tickets and join us at the track, you won’t regret it.”
Doorslammer Masters, Pro Mod Masters, and Extreme Motorcycle Masters competitors will all be chasing cash purses which are expected to bring competitors from across the country.
The winner for both the Doorslammer Masters and the Pro Mod Masters will walk away with $10,000, while the winning drag bike gladiator of the Extreme Motorcycle Masters will pocket $3,000. With this cash and ANDRA Christmas Trees on the line, everyone will want to
Photos thanks to Cackling Pipes
be the winner of this inaugural event.
At the same time, round seven of the 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Series is set to draw large numbers of local and interstate ANDRA-licenced competitors to Sydney for the first time in a number of years. ANDRA is pleased to confirm that up to $20,000 in cash prizes will be up for grabs for the sportsman racers.
Bonus points will be on offer for all
sportsman racers, given no events are being held at the Perth Motorplex this season due to the upgrade works at that facility.
“The anticipation is palpable,” added McAvaney, who has been working on this return to Sydney Dragway throughout 2025.
“After years away, ANDRA’s Sydney return is something we could not be more excited about, and as the clock continues
to tick down to January 24, we are encouraging everyone to mark this date in your calendar and get your entries in.
“This is the start of a whole new era for ANDRA Drag Racing in Sydney, and you want to be a part of this one-day spectacular.”
For more information, keep an eye on www.andra.com.au
A HUGE DAY AHEAD!
Brackets:
• Outlaw ProMod
• Top Doorslammer
• Extreme Bike
• Super Stock
• Competition
• Three Dimensional Construction Super Gas
• New Gen Business Park Supercharged Outlaws
• Top Sportsman
• New Gen Business Park Competition Bike
• Gallagher Modified
• SA Drag Racers Association Super Sedan
• Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike
• Goodyear Racing Super Street
• Junior Dragster
• New Gen Business Park Junior Drag Bike
Key times:
• Competitor Gates Open: 7.00am
• Competitor Briefing: 8.30am
• Qualifying Starts: 9.00am
• Spectator Gates Open: 10.00am
• Feature Program: 4.00pm
Nominate now and beat the price rise:
• Early bird entries close 31 December 2025:
• Juniors - $200 + GST
• Super Street - $250 + GST
• Sportsman - $300 + GST
• Extreme Bike - $400 + GST
• Doorslammer and Pro Mod - $500 + GST
• Last minute entries (incurring a $50 + GST surcharge on above pricing) close 12.01am 12 January 2026
• To enter, please click here.
Spectator passes:
• Tickets on sale now – click here to purchase
• GA: Online $38 Gate $42
• GA Concession: Online $30 Gate $34
• GA Youth (13-16) Online $26 Gate $30
• Kids 12 & Under FREE! (When accompanied by a paying Adult)
• Trackside Viewing: Online $43 Gate $50 (includes GA)
• Paid Parking: Online $55 Gate $60 (includes GA)
• Early Bird Show and Shine: Online $44 Gate $50 (includes GA)
Questions? Email info@andra.com.au
2025GALLAGHER VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR CELEBRATED
ANDRA is pleased to announce that Beth Hamilton-Moderate and Darrell Horley have been recognised as the 2025 Gallagher Volunteers of the Year.
Gallagher, which has been working with ANDRA to provide high quality insurance coverage since 2012, has been recognising ANDRA’s volunteers and
clubs with its VOTY award since 2014, recognising the outstanding contribution and passion of volunteers who selflessly donate their time to ANDRA drag racing.
“Our sport runs on the efforts of our volunteer force and each and every person within ANDRA could not be more thankful for the ongoing support and
dedication of the ANDRA volunteers at tracks all across the country,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Tim McAvaney, said.
“Gallagher and the ANDRA team are so pleased to be able to recognise Beth and Darrell as outstanding members of the ANDRA drag racing community,
BETH HAMILTON-MODERATE
An ANDRA Head Steward since 2024 who has been part of the ANDRA volunteer force since 2022, Beth Hamilton-Moderate has become known for her professionalism, exceptional communication, leadership, compassion, and fairness to teams, competitors, track staff, fellow ANDRA stewards, and the general public as a whole.
During events, Beth can always be relied upon to step up to ensure the event runs as efficiently and safely as possible within her role duties, and she is highly respected for the ways in which she checks in on those around her to make sure they are supported, and understand what is expected of them on the day.
With a focus on empowering those around her, she has been lauded by her fellow stewards and the wider drag racing community for being fair, nonjudgmental, and operating without bias when it comes to dealing with protests or conflicts which may arise during events; dealing with these in a timely manner and with a high level of integrity.
With a strong rapport with competitors, teams, and track staff, Beth has an open mind and is not afraid to put forward
ideas for improvement for the betterment of the sport, and her passion for the sport shows through the way she conducts herself at ANDRA sanctioned events –both those at her home track, and also at other tracks and events when help is needed and she is available. She is often the first steward to arrive and the last to leave.
Beth’s commitment to the sport of ANDRA drag racing is commendable, and ANDRA wholeheartedly congratulates her on being a winner of the 2024/2025 Gallagher Volunteer of the Year Award and thanks her for her dedication.
DARRELL HORLEY
Darrell Horley has been involved in ANDRA drag racing since 1995 as a racer and crew member, becoming an ANDRA Tech Inspector and Steward in 2003.
He brings to the table an amazing level of knowledge of the workings of ANDRA and the ANDRA Rulebook, while being always happy to answer any questions.
At the Perth Motorplex as a Senior Steward, Darrell is known for putting in long hours between the shed, track side, and in the pits, often staying back until late mentoring Trainee Stewards, or conducting post-race checks for a record setting event.
Known for his calm and positive approach, while Darrell may be somewhat of a quiet achiever, he is exceptionally approachable and always ready to share his passion for and knowledge of the sport freely with anyone.
As a Tech Inspector, he goes above and beyond, travelling to conduct inspections and always being on hand to answer queries and volunteer his time at both club events and ANDRA events.
Darrell is also an active club member, attending nearly all club meetings and events over his many years of involvement.
He undertakes a range of extra duties for the club, including setting up and packing down for club meetings every month, purchasing and serving beverages at club meetings, and completing required work before the meeting before staying back to clean and lock up.
As a positive role model and mentor for ANDRA Drag Racing, Darrell is a very well-deserving winner of the Gallagher Volunteer of the Year Award and ANDRA congratulates him on his award, and thanks him for his service to our sport.
Congratulations Beth and Darrell - thank you for all you do for ANDRA drag racing
SOUTH COAST RACEWAY
rings in the New Year.
These events mark rounds five and six of the current ANDRA championship and also the opening of South Coast Raceway’s next season. They will host all of the ANDRA Series brackets fighting it out for valuable championship points.
Club Secretary, Scott Cleary, said that year after year both events draw big crowds, strong fields, and plenty of travelling racers, cementing South Coast Raceway as a favourite stop on the ANDRA calendar.
“We’re really looking forward to another massive season start at South Coast Raceway,” he said. “The South Coast Nationals and the South Coast 660 always
Coast
continues to grow its reputation thanks to a passionate – or follow
Raceway
the track on Facebook.
Photos thanks to BrightDesign.com.au
PERTH MOTORPLEX REVITALISATION UNDERWAY
In the last edition of FASTLANE Magazine (Issue 47), we told you all about the upcoming plans for the Perth Motorplex’s major reset, set to usher in a new era of drag racing in Western Australia.
We caught up with Perth Motorplex General Manager, Gavin Migro, to find out the latest updates on this important rebirth for the leading facility, which is celebrating 25 years in 2025.
“While we might not be drag racing currently, there is plenty going on here at the Perth Motorplex,” Gavin said.
“At the end of October, the tenders for the track resurfacing closed, and we were very pleased to see a number of really
announce who will be undertaking this vitally important work for the Motorplex very soon.
“We also have seen the tenders go out for the new sports lighting for the entire venue in mid-November, which was followed by a site briefing the following week for the potential companies that are considering putting their hands up to make those upgrades happen. This is something quite exciting, as this process has moved a little quicker than we had anticipated.
“Also exciting is the fact that our new Big Screen is in transit right now to WA, and we will be installing that as soon as it arrives, ready to go for when we reopen.
confirm that a brand-new toilet block for the staging lanes is going to be coming in, replacing the old bathroom facility which was there.”
While there may not be any drag racing occurring at the Perth Motorplex currently, there is still plenty of action to be had.
“We have opened the season for Burnout competitions and had some real rippers already – Burnout Boss especially was a hugely successful event with fantastic numbers,” Migro said.
“We have a really cool season planned for the burnout community and can’t wait to see how that unfolds.”
Photos thanks to High Octane Photos
CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS LEADERS
NAME: JAKE MCNAMARA AGE: 17
BASED IN: SYDNEY
OCCUPATION: APPRENTICE CARPENTER
STARTED RACING: 2020
CLASSES COMPETED: JUNIOR DRAGSTER
BEST ET AND SPEED: 7.61 AND 86 MPH
FAVOURITE TV SHOW: DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
FAVOURITE FOOD: NAN’S MASH POTATO
FAVOURITE RACE TRACK: SYDNEY DRAGWAY
JAKE MCNAMARA JUNIOR DRAGSTER
How did you get into drag racing?
“My family has been in drag racing for close to 50 years. I was born into the sport and have been active in drag racing my entire life – I was at the track within the first months of being born as my Pop and Uncle raced in Modified Eliminator at the time.”
You took the win at the Spring Nationals – please tell us how that event unfolded for you and how it felt to take out the ANDRA Christmas Tree?
PROFILE
“It was a very surreal experience. The weekend started off with me being a bit lead footed and red lighting, but I managed to sharpen up and keep my head down. With my uncle Brett and Pop (Alan White) on the spanners and graphs, all I had to do was focus on my lights and my driving. The feeling I got when seeing the win light come on in my lane is unexplainable after the past year, which had been a massive struggle as we were dealing with a gremlin in the car that we finally figured out.”
Are you working towards any particular goals?
“To just keep learning, as you never nail drag racing, you learn something new every single pass you make. I am hoping to finish as high as I can in the points for my final season (2026) in juniors, that is the number one goal on the list. Learning quarter-mile racing in Mum’s road car would be the next one, and then hopefully stepping into Pop’s Modified Altered, and if all goes well, eventually my Uncle Brett’s Top Alcohol Funny Car.”
Is there anyone who you would like to shine the spotlight on for their involvement in your racing?
“Yes, I want to thank my Pop for owning the car and teaching me the ins and outs and showing me the ropes of racing and mentoring me, also the funding. Thank you to Uncle Brett for getting this car so right with the tuning and also funding as well as mentoring me throughout my racing career so far. A special thank you to my mum Kelly for being my number one supporter and always having my back. Also thank you to Aunty Megs, my brother Will, and his girlfriend Jordis, and my beautiful girlfriend Georgia for all supporting me throughout my racing journey. I would also like to thank my sponsors, the ‘Bank Of Nan and Pop,’ Fineline Motorsports, and Princi Motorsports.”
Photo thanks to BrightDesign.com.au
NAME: DARREN ASTLE AGE: 53
BASED IN: ADELAIDE OCCUPATION: RIGGER
STARTED RACING LATE 90S
CLASSES COMPETED: STREET DRAGS AND THEN SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS
BEST ET AND SPEED: 6.83 AT 205MPH
FAVOURITE TV SHOW: I DON’T WATCH TV
FAVOURITE FOOD: ALL OF THEM
FAVOURITE RACETRACK: I DON’T HAVE A FAVOURITE TRACK, I LOVE RACING EVERYWHERE
DARREN ASTLE
NEW GEN BUSINESS PARK SUPERCHARGED OUTLAWS
How did you get into drag racing?
“I got into drag racing because my mates were, they introduced me and I have never looked back!”
What is it you love about racing in Supercharged Outlaws?
“I love the diverse range of competitors and the camaraderie that you find in Supercharged Outlaws.”
You took out the win at the Spring Nationals – how was that event for you and what did it meant to you to get that victory?
“It was fantastic, it was a great reward for my crew’s hard work.”
What is your home track and what do you love it?
“Dragway at The Bend is my home track. I love all tracks, I love racing everywhere, but it is cool to have this facility close to home.“
What has been the highlight of your ANDRA drag racing career so far and why?
“The highlight of my career has been the meeting where I returned after having crashed the car in 2015, because it proved to us that the crash would not define us.”
Is there anyone who you would like to thank for their involvement in your racing?
“I would like to shine the spotlight on my racing team and my crew, the crew doesn’t get seen like the driver does in this sport, but they make it all possible.”
Photo courtesy of BrightDesign.com.au
A CHALLENGE
FOR THE AGES
STREET MACHINE DRAG CHALLENGE PROVIDED AN EPIC FIVE DAYS OF ACTION ACROSS THREE ANDRA TRACKS IN 2025 – IN THIS ARTICLE, THE EVENT’S KIAN HEAGNEY TELLS US ALL ABOUT IT.
It is incredible to think that when we started the Drag Challenge journey way back in 2014 with just 19 invited entrants, that 10 events later we’d by challenging over 250 entrants to drive their cars over 1500km in five days, with six cars running well into seven second territory and tight battles across 10 classes.This year’s route had us starting and finishing at South Australia’s magnificent Dragway at The Bend, with a trip south into Victoria to Portland’s South Coast Raceway, then heading up to northern Victoria to the Atlantic Oils Sunset Strip in Mildura, which hosted a night/day double header. That’d mean two quarter mile days of racing to bookend the week, with three
days of eighth-mile action in the middle. With Event Director Scotty Taylor’s mandatory road route taking competitors the most scenic way to each track with mandatory photo checkpoints to hit, it would mean a minimum of 1450km of road for each entrant to cover – but most would easily nudge north of 1500km over the five days.
DAY ONE
With sunny but mild weather and a bumper 250-plus car field chomping at the bit to get their first runs on the board at Dragway at The Bend, Drag Challenge 2025 got underway. We were treated to
a stack of seven-second passes from the top runners, the first to really lay down the pace was Brandon Zito in his twin turbo, small-block LC Torana with a fresh PB of 7.54@172mph.
Brandon held the fastest pass until the second round of class runs, when Keith Hards in FAIRXW pedalled the big Ford to a blistering 7.23@198mph. That run did come at a cost, the engine in the XW breaking a rocker, which in turn made it drop a valve which played ping pong in one of the cylinders. Keith, Frank Marchese and the crew had a new head air freighted in from Dandenong, Melbourne. As for the munched piston, we had the legends at
Photos courtesy of Chris Thorogood
ONE OF THE BIGGEST AND FASTEST EDITIONS OF DRAG CHALLENGE WE HAVE EVER SEEN
bush mechanic spirit, welded and angle ground the piston to get it back in order.
Closely following the XW for second overall and in the Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse Radial Blown class was 2023 overall champion Mark Drew, clocking a 7.43@197mph in his crusty LX. More troubles in the top ranks came for DC veteran Luke Foley, who was looking to back up his PB of 7.58@176mph from testing the day prior. His first launch on race day was immediately aborted, first gear in his Turbo 400 giving up
would end up limping through the rest of the week leaning only on second gear. West Australian Nathan Jehu in his own LX sedan kept in touch with the front runners, handing in a 7.70@185mph.
Jason Kenny in the LS1PWR yellow VN was nipping on his heels with a 7.71@178mph, and Alon Vella’s Mk1 Capri also broke into the sevens for the first time ever at DC, laying down a 7.97@176mph early in the day to take top spot in the PowerPlus Fuels Outlaw Blown ranks.
Coast Raceway in Portland, but more often than not we’ve found ourselves getting rained out of running at the picturesque eighth-mile strip. We somehow lucked out this year, with sunny skies and not a drop of rain to be found, with all the competitors beyond stoked to get a full days’ running. It seems plenty of locals took our advice to chuck a sickie on a Thursday to come along, with the rolling green spectator hill jam packed with onlookers. And boy, were they treated to a show right out of the gate. Coming into the day, Keith Hards had just a 0.197
Brandon Zito & Crew
fastlane22
margin over Mark Drew for top honours. Several front runners locked in four second passes early, including Branzon Zito and Jason Kenny both clocking 4.93s. Mark Drew was just a smidge off them with a 4.94, and Luke Foley dragged a 5.1still sans first gear in his ‘box. Daniel Smith in the Honda K24-powered Celica was another in the fours, becoming the first in Drag Challenge history to do so on an eighth-mile track using a 235 tyre, with a 4.95@147mph.
While all this was going on, everyone was keeping a close eye on the pits, as overall leader Keith Hards and FAIRXW was yet to arrive. They finally did so with just a few hours of running left on the track, but the Fairmont wasn’t done punishing them yet. After spending all night working to mend the damage from the dropped
valve, the boys found the big Ford would not come onto boost under its own steam.
In another showing of Drag Challenge butchery, the solution was to run a nitrous line directly into the feed of the turbo, with nitrous lines tapped to the outside of the passenger A pillar and under the bonnet to the turbo. The wounded XW clocked 5.51, a 5.23 and then finally a 5.18@136mph to stay in contention. Whilst still in it, handing in slips tipped the overall running to Mark Drew’s favour, who now led overall in Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse Radial Blown by just 0.045. The biggest difference is while Mark was able to hit the road to Mildura, Keith, Frank and the crew stayed back in Portland. They planned to yank Fairmonts engine out, and pull an all-nighter replacing the wounded, welded piston
Matt Carey
before also making the 588km mandatory drive to Mildura. Just 0.399 separated the top five overall by the end of day two, making for one of the most competitive Drag Challenges we’ve seen - and it was only day two!
DAY THREE
With running from 4.00pm to a hard cutoff at 10.00pm, we got underway in the searing 30-plus degree heat of the Mildura sun on the Atlantic Oils Sunset Strip on Halloween. The minor threat of thunderstorms never eventuated, and as the evening went on, plenty of locals came out to see Australia’s finest duke it out. Once again, all the front runners had made it to the track bar Keith Hards, who we heard had pulled the all-nighter and leave Portland around midday to begin the minimum six-hour drive north, though it would take the lads a lot longer than that.
It is well known that the best pace at Mildura is found after dark, but that didn’t afford the heavy hitters to just wait around for the sun to go down. Many found issues spinning off the line in the heat, the fastest runners being Mark Drew with a 5.09@148mph, followed by Nathan Jehu’s 5.10, Luke Foley who pushed out a 5.12 and Branzon Zito a 5.17. Talk about close! What you may notice is none of those times dipped into the fours like the previous day at Portland, and that’s because of what happened after the sun went down. Three major events on track caused headaches,
Mark Drew
the first being Mark Drew. An issue with a transmission line fitting caused him to leak oil down the track, just after it’d copped a fresh ‘round of prep.
Not long after that was rectified, Tuff Mounts 235 Blown class leader Daniel Smith in the grey Celica had the burst panel in the intake manifold let go in the deep end of the track. That smashed the bonnet onto the windscreen, causing Dan to lock up, blow both front runner tyres and career from the right lane across to the left. Luckily, he managed to avoid the wall and the car in the other lane. Thankfully, Daniel was ok, but the damage meant the Celica’s week was done. Once we got underway after another lengthy delay, the final incident of the night took place when David Hill’s HQ ute lost a rear wheel not long after launch, careering it from the right side of the track to the left, sending the tub into the wall in a big way. We were blessed again that another driver walked away unharmed, but with less than 20 minutes left on the hard 10pm cutoff, we were forced to call racing for the evening.
DAY FOUR
The sun rose back at Atlantic Oils Sunset Strip for the penultimate day for Drag Challenge 2025, and given we were back at the same track, there was no mandatory drive route between days three and four; but there would be one last road leg to get back to Dragway at The Bend at the end of the day. With temperatures set to climb early, it was crucial for the front runners to get a time down early in the cooler conditions and hit the road for the 375km journey back to South Australia.
Day four also marked the third overall lead change by the end of race proceedings, with Brandon Zito and his green LC Torana just pipping Mark Drew at the top of the tree. Brandon’s 5.01@145mph was just enough to eek out a margin over Mark with a 5.35@146mph, the gap between the two sitting at a measly 0.152. Brandon’s pass was a one and done, whilst Mark had to make several passes to clock the 5.35 and keep in such close touch with Brandon. While we saw a stack of four second passes at Portland a few days prior, only Jason Kenny in the LS1PWR VN Commodore could lay claim to knocking out a four second ET from the two days at Mildura. He ran a sweet 4.97@143mph on Day Four, which put him back inside the top ten overall. Keith
Hards and FAIRXW made it to the track running on five cylinders but were DQ’d due to an excessive tow.
DAY FIVE
With tumultuous weather predicted for the day, everyone woke up back at Tailem Bend with one eye on the sky as we all prepared for one final day of on-track action to sort out the winners. With the forecast for thunderstorms, several light showers caused minor delays, but full credit to the track at Dragway at The Bend for knuckling down and turning it around as quickly as possible we could at least afford everyone one pass. All but four cars got one pass in until the rain
really came down around 2.00pm, not letting off until well after 6.30pm when everyone had packed up and left. It did force an early end to racing, leaving all entrants with their only pass of the day to hand in to determine the finishing order.
Brandon Zito continued his strong form from the start of the week, running a fresh PB straight off the bat with a 7.42@191mph – the quickest pass of the week – to seal the overall win. It also gave him top honours in the Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse Radial Blown class, the Quickest Chev-Powered award, and an induction into the Four- Second Club with his 4.93@148mph on Day Two at Portland. “This morning when I woke up, I was shaking. I didn’t know how today was going to pan out with the weather – what if someone got a run in before us and it
got delayed?” said Brandon after taking out the win. “But we got the whole field through, and as soon as I got that run in, we all said to each other, ‘I think we’re done.’ I was so happy.” Second place overall and in Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse Radial Blown went to 2023 overall winner Mark Drew, who ran a 7.85@190mph on the last day with a pedal. He also scored the Fastest MPH award for his Day One pass of 7.43@197mph. And if that wasn’t enough, he took home a Quickest LSPowered trophy as well. Third overall was WA’s Nathan Jehu. With 200 cars successfully completing the event, there were fantastic battles in all the classes, but one of our favourites was in DYO. Matt Carey has been a Drag Challenge regular for years, and we’re stoked to say that his BLWNQUAD VZ SS ute won the VCM Performance / HP Tuners DYO class in a super-tight contest. He travels from Tom Price, 1500km north of Perth, each year for the event, and his split at the end of proceedings was just 0.03000. Second place was Kane Spiers’s VS Commodore, with Adam Zollenkopf’s Volvo 240 in third.
With all the silverware handed out, it brought a close to one of the biggest and fastest editions of Drag Challenge we’ve ever seen. With super tight margins, mind bending bush mechanics fixes, and weather, it seemed like a DC befitting of celebrating our tenth full fat drag and drive. Here’s to 10 more!
Nathan Jehu
SUNSET NATIONALS
WINNERS CLAIM SUNSET SPOILS IN MILDURA
ANDRA Christmas Trees glittered in Mildura on Sunday the 21st of September as the winners of round three of the 2025/2026 ANDRA Sportsman Series claimed Sunset Nationals victory in their respective brackets.
A blockbuster field of sportsman racers for the event delivered a full day of non-stop action, with Cooper Plummer (New Gen Business Park Junior Drag Bike), Zayne Condello (Junior Dragster), Malcolm Todd (Goodyear Racing Super Street), Dean Jamieson (Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike), Tony Tedesco (The South Australian Drag Racers Association Super Sedan), Kenny Stewart (Gallagher Modified), Edge Mallis (New Gen Business Park Competition Bike), Sam Cardinale (Top Sportsman), Shane Baxter (New Gen Business Park Supercharged Outlaws), and Graeme Spencer (Super Gas) taking out the big trophies.
The runner-up honours went to Aliza Harris (New Gen Business Park Junior Drag Bike), Luca Lamattina (Junior Dragster), Michael Jennings (Goodyear Racing Super Street), Matt Jones (Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike), Les Waight (The South Australian Drag Racers Association Super Sedan), Adriana Cartledge (Gallagher Modified), Cheryl ‘MsVrod’ Beddoes (New Gen Business Park Competition Bike), Daniel Jones (Top Sportsman), Brendan Carr (New Gen Business Park Supercharged Outlaws), and Pete O’Connell (Super Gas).
In the non-championship local Street Car bracket, father and son Danny Wilson and Kris Wilson lined up for the final pass, with Danny red-lighting, handing Kris the win. In New Gen Business Park Supercharged Outlaws, Shane Baxter claimed the ANDRA Christmas Tree Trophy with a win over Brendan Carr.
Baxter opened his account with a round one victory over Mark Hunt, followed by a win against Jason Keily in round two, before progressing through a round three bye. Carr, meanwhile, began with a win over Tim Stewart, then eliminated New Gen Business Park Top Qualifier Shane Kramer in round two, before advancing over Doina Day in the semi-final to secure a place in the decider.
In Gallagher Modified Kenny Stewart took the win over Adriana Cartledge after the latter Top Qualified on Saturday. Stewart raced through the first two elimination rounds, first getting the better of David Grills before doing the same to Derek Wills, setting up a final showdown with Cartledge. Cartledge had earlier defeated David Bunnik in round one and Bradley Hicks in round two, before falling to Stewart in the decider.
Tony Tedesco
In New Gen Business Park Competition Bike, Top Qualifier Edge Mallis secured the win over Cheryl ‘MsVrod’ Beddoes. Mallis advanced with a round one bye, a round two win over Nathan Stone, and victory against Jake Hamilton-Moderate in round three before lining up against Beddoes in the decider. Beddoes, meanwhile, defeated Stone in round one and Joe Khoury in round two, and progressed through a round three bye, and ultimately faced Mallis in the final.
In New Gen Business Park Junior Drag Bike, Top Qualifier Cooper Plummer claimed the big trophy over Aliza Harris. Plummer opened with a round one win against Bailey Paul before defeating Austin Walpole in round two, Harris in round three, and again in the final. Harris, meanwhile, advanced with a round one victory over Walpole and a round two win against Paul to line up against Plummer in both the semi and the decider.
In Junior Dragster Zayne Condello took out the ANDRA Christmas Tree with a win over Luca Lamattina in the ‘Angry Carrot’ in the final. Condello had earlier accounted for Lachlan McGregor in round one, before defeating Ava Walker in round two, Mason Kuchel in round three and Bailey Hawke in round four to advance to the final. Lamattina, meanwhile had earlier dispatched Brock Furlanetto in round one, before defeating Cody Hunt in round two and Deklan McGregor in round three, with a round four bye sending him through to the final. Earlier on, Top Qualifier Charlize Grivell was knocked out in round one by Angelina Kondilis.
In Goodyear Racing Super Street, Top Qualifier Malcolm Todd went all the way to clinch the win over Michael Jennings. To get to the final, Todd first took the round one win over Andrew Waight before a round two bye, and then overcame Danny Quilty in the semi-final to reach the decider. Jennings earned his place in the final with victories against Andrew Francis in round one, Stefan Lianas in round two, and Tex Griffiths in round three.
In Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike, Dean Jamieson took out the top honours over runner-up Matt Jones, and also took out the Top Qualifier honours earlier in the weekend. Jamieson progressed to the final with victories over Jason White (round one) and Derryn
McGregor (round three) and a bye in round two. Jones booked his place in the final after defeating Darren Taylor in round one, Rob Church in round two, and Lucas Neagoe in round three.
In the South Australian Drag Racers Association Super Sedan, Tony Tedesco took the win over Les Waight. Tedesco’s path to the final included victories against Steven Nusbajtel in round one, Dimos Stefanopoulos in round two, Peter Furlanetto in round three, and Corey Pocock – who knocked out Top Qualifier Rob Camilleri in round two – in the semifinal. For Waight, the road to the final matchup began with a win over Matt Dickeson in round one, before wins in round two over Dave Sultana and Dave Todd in round three, before a bye in the semi-final.
In Top Sportsman Sam Cardinale was victorious over Top Qualifier Daniel Jones in the final pass. Cardinale’s winning run featured wins against Dean Tassone in round one and Jason Young in round two, before advancing through a round three bye. Jones, meanwhile, progressed with a
round one win over Andrew Thompson, a round two bye, and a round three victory against Leon Davies to reach the decider.
In Super Gas, Graeme Spencer walked away with the ANDRA Christmas Tree Trophy over a red-lighting Pete O’Connell in the final run. Spencer raced through two rounds, first dispatching Warren Bull in round one and then Jason Wilson in round three, while enjoying a bye in round two on his way to the final. O’Connell, meanwhile, also enjoyed a bye in round three after taking wins over Jordan Spencer and Rob Bergamin in rounds one and two.
For full results from the Sunset Nationals, please visit: www.andra.com.au/series/results/
ANDRA thanks the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association (SDRA) and all of its volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding racetrack and a well-run event.
Edge Mallis
Sam Cardinale
ANDRA RACERS FEELING SPRY FOLLOWING EPIC SPRING NATIONAL SPRING NATIONALS
action aplenty at Dragway at The Bend across October 3-5 for round four of the 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Series, which was complemented by a new Australian Top Fuel speed record thanks to Damien Harris (3.761/333.51mph).
Walking away from the weekend with the coveted ANDRA Christmas Tree trophies in their respective brackets were Cooper Plummer (New Gen Business Park Junior Drag Bike over Lucas Bergamin), Jake McNamara (Junior Dragster over Bailey Hawke), Michael Jennings (Goodyear Racing Super Street over Peter Damianos), Dean Jamieson (Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike over Derryn McGregor), Darren Russell (The South Australian Drag Racers Association Super Sedan over Michael Vlasakakis), Derek Wills (Gallagher Modified over Anthony Raschella), Rob Cassar (New Gen Business Park Competition Bike over Tyson Bird-Balek), David Foster
Supercharged Outlaws over Kasey McClure), Peter Pisalidis (Super Comp over Connor McClure) and John Moumas (Three Dimensional Construction Super Gas over Adrian McGrotty).
Also on track was the Pro Drag Racing Championship (PDRC), with Steve Carlsen (Pro Mod), Chris Soldatos (Pro Stock), and Tony Frost (Pro Stock Motorcycle) taking the wins.
In Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike, Dean Jamieson claimed top honours over runner-up Derryn McGregor after having earlier eliminated Ian Read in round one and Paul de Klerk in round two, before progressing through a bye in round three. McGregor’s campaign included victories over Rob Church in round one, Peter Bartlett in round two, and Matt Jones in round three. Top Qualifier Michael Riches was eliminated
In Gallagher Modified, it was Derek Wills who came out on top against Anthony Raschella after taking earlier victories over Josie Hodgins, Bradley Hicks, and Fiona Crisp in rounds one, two and three. Raschella earned his place in the decider after knocking out Top Qualifier Adriana Cartledge in round one, Dan Hodgins in round two, and moving through a bye in round three.
In Top Sportsman, David Foster claimed victory over runner-up Sam Cardinale after dispatching Jarrod Cocks in round one, Tony Miskelly in round two, and Leon Davies in round three. Cardinale, meanwhile, advanced through the early stages with victories against Konstantinos Tsiokos in round one, Dean Tassone in round two, and Top Qualifier Darren Whitford in round three, before a red light in the final handed Foster the win.
Peter Pisalidis
In New Gen Business Park Junior Drag Bike, Cooper Plummer and Top Qualifier Lucas Bergamin lined up for the final run, with Plummer claiming victory on a double breakout. Plummer first got the better of Austin Walpole in round one and Lawrence Raschella in round two while Bergamin had advanced to the decider after defeating Aliza Harris in round one before enjoying a bye in round two.
In Junior Dragster, Jake McNamara powered to victory over a red-lighting Bailey Hawke in the final run. McNamara’s road to the final saw him defeat Madalen Datson and Blake Taylor in the opening two rounds, before overcoming Deklan McGregor in round three and progressing through a bye in round four. Hawke’s path began with early wins over Abigail Reed, Charlize Grivell, and Geoffrey McNiff in rounds one through three, before taking out Top Qualifier Taylor Horton in round four.
In Goodyear Racing Super Street, Michael Jennings and Peter Damianos faced off in the final, with Jennings coming out on top. He came to the final following victories over Naomi Ward (round one), Paul Aforozis (round two), and Danny Quilty (round three). Damianos earned his finals berth with winning performances against Wayne Wilkie (round one), Neil Mellett (round two), and Top Qualifier Luke ‘Tex’ Griffiths in round three.
In The South Australian Drag Racers Association Super Sedan, Michael Vlasakakis and Darren Russell met in the final, with Russell securing the victory. Russell’s campaign began with a round one win over Peter Tsekenis followed by victories against David Gruber in round two, Peter Furlanetto in round three, and Graeme Cooper in round four, before advancing through a bye in the semi-final.
Vlasakakis, meanwhile, powered through the field with a round one bye and then claimed wins over David Brokenshire in round two and Lance Larcombe in round three, followed by a round four bye and a semi-final victory over Nathan Cowie. Top Qualifier Medallion recipient Rob Camilleri meanwhile took a win over Lisa Sherry in round one, before being knocked out by Cowie in round two.
In New Gen Business Park Competition Bike, run under the Chicago Shootout format, Rob Cassar took home the ultimate spoils over runner-up Tyson Bird-Balek. Cassar powered through the rounds, claiming victories over Nathan Stone in round one, Cody Scanlon in round two, and Cheryl “MsVrod” Beddoes in round three. Bird-Balek also enjoyed a strong run, collecting wins against Jake Hamilton-Moderate in round one, Top Qualifier Medallion presented by New Gen Business Park recipient Edge Mallis in round two, and Louis Izatt in round three to secure his place in the final showdown.
In New Gen Business Park Supercharged Outlaws, it was Darren Astle who took the spoils, powering his way to victory on a breakout over runner-up Kasey McClure. Astle’s charge to the final saw him defeat Steven Walker in round one and Shaun Kerkman in round two, before advancing through a bye in round three. On the other side of the ladder, McClure eliminated Top Qualifier Doina Day in round one, progressing through a round two bye, and then got the better of Shane Baxter in round three.
In Three Dimensional Construction Super Gas, it was John Moumas who walked away with the win, after a strong day on track saw him take out the final over runner-up Adrian McGrotty. Moumas first dispatched Top Qualifier Medallion
presented by New Gen Business Park recipient Venice Mameledzija in round one, before sailing through a round two bye and backing it up with a victory over Tony Romeo in round three. McGrotty, meanwhile, defeated Woolstencroft in round one and Graeme Spencer in round two, before advancing through a bye in
the semi-final – only to see his hopes slip away with a red light in the final run.
In Super Comp, it was Peter Pisalidis who came out on top, ending Top Qualifier Connor McClure’s hopes of turning his early dominance into an event win. Pisalidis charged his way to the final with victories over Ryan Van Dyk and Shayne Reid in rounds one and two, setting up a showdown with McClure. McClure, meanwhile, progressed through a round one bye courtesy of his Top Qualifier status, before dispatching Craig Geddes in round two to earn his place in the decider — where Pisalidis ultimately sealed the deal.
For full results from the SPRY Spring Nationals, please visit: www.andra.com.au/series/results/
ANDRA thanks Dragway at The Bend and all of its volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding racetrack and a well-run event.
Photo Credit:
Derek Wills
Damien Harris
Cooper Plumber
DRAG RACING’S NEXT GEN SHINE AT JUNIOR NATIONALS
The next generation of ANDRA drag racing stars were in full flight at the Nitro Golf Centre Junior Nationals on Saturday September 27 as they chased valuable ANDRA Regional Sportsman Series championship points and ANDRA Christmas Trees.
The Nitro Golf Centre Junior Nationals is an exceptionally popular two-day event at the Atlantic Oils Sunset Strip, with this year marking the first time that its running has been included in the ANDRA championship for the Junior Dragster and New Gen Business Park Junior Drag Bike competitors.
The day started with three rounds of qualifying, with Zayne Condello (Junior Dragster) and Lucas Bergamin (New Gen Business Park Junior Dragster) taking the top spot in their respective brackets to claim the Top Qualifier Medallions, presented by New Gen Business Park.
From there it was on to the racing, with the 40 dragsters going head to head across six rounds of eliminations while the seven bike competitors undertaking a round robin format. When all was said and done, it was Zayne Condello who took out the Junior Dragster win over runnerup, Luca Lamattina – marking the fourth
straight year he has enjoyed success at the Junior Nationals event.
In New Gen Business Park Junior Drag Bike, a Nitro Up North rematch between Sunset Nationals winner Cooper Plummer and Darwin winner, Riley Kilvington, played out in the final, with the win once again going to Kilvington.
It was a fairytale day for Condello, with his win backing up his victory at last weekend’s Sunset Nationals at the same venue and marking a dominating performance that saw him go from top qualifier to event winner.
On his way to the final, he took on and defeated Paige Harvey in round one, Brock Ferguson in round two, and his girlfriend Ava Walker in round three. He then enjoyed a round four bye run ahead of the semi-final against Desert Nationals winner Taylor Horton, before meeting Lamattina in the finale.
Lamattina – the son of Top Fuel champ Phil Lamattina – meanwhile had successfully faced off against Lily Vickery in round one, Mason Kuchel in round two, Elisha Hubner in round three, and Geoffrey McNiff in round four, before a semi-final bye run ahead of the final match-up.
In New Gen Business Park Junior Drag Bike, Riley Kilvington and Cooper Plummer faced off in the finale following three rounds of ‘round robin’ racing.
Kilvington had earlier successfully taken on Desert Nationals winner Aliza Harris in round one, Puckeridge in round two, and enjoyed a bye run in round three, while Plummer meanwhile had taken wins over Lawrence Raschella and Zahlee Puckeridge in rounds one and three, while enjoying a solo pass in round two.
The Kilvington v Plummer showdown marked a rematch for the pair, with these highly talented riders having faced off against each other in the final of the season opening Nitro Up North. Like it did in Darwin in August, the final went the way of Kilvington, handing him his second ANDRA Christmas Tree of the 2025/2026 season.
For full results from the Saturday* of the Junior Nationals, please visit: www.andra.com.au/series/results/
ANDRA thanks the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association and all of its volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding racetrack and a well-run event.
*Only Saturday’s running counted towards the 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Series championship*
TWO-WHEELED THRILLS ABOUND AT ALL BIKE NATIONALS
The DRAG All Bike Nationals presented by Harley Davidson has hosted plenty of exciting two-wheeled action at Dragway at The Bend on Saturday November 8, including points-paying racing for the bike brackets of the 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship.
Those brackets are New Gen Business Park Competition Bike, New Gen Business Park Junior Drag Bike, and Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike.
In Ballistic Performance Parts Modified Bike, Dean Jamieson was both the New Gen Business Park Top Qualifier and the event winner, over runner-up Brock Richards.
Jamieson booked his ticket to the final after top qualifying with wins over Ian Read (round one), Jarrod Healey (round two) and Peter Bartlett (round four) with a bye in round three. Richards meanwhile enjoyed a semi-final bye following victories over Matt Jones (round one), John Brooks (round two), and Rob Church (round three).
In New Gen Business Park Competition
Bike, Jake Hamilton-Moderate took the ANDRA Christmas Tree after earlier claiming the New Gen Business Park Top Qualifier Medallion. The runner-up was Nevil Langley.
Hamilton-Moderate went all the way to the final after having top qualified following successful match-ups over Corey Read (round two) and Paul Andrews (round three), with a bye in the first round thanks to his TQ status. Langley meanwhile had taken on Joe Khoury (round one) and Cory Read (round three), with a round two bye.
In New Gen Business Park Junior Drag Bike, the win went to Kobe Ashelford, who clinched the victory over runner-up Bailey Paul. The New Gen Business Park Top Qualifier Medallion was claimed by Cooper Ashelford.
Ashelford found himself in the final after dispatching Austin Walpole (round one) and Riley Kilvington (round two) before a round three bye, while Paul had faced off against Cooper Plummer (round one), and Cooper Ashelford (round three), with a bye in round two.
In the other (non-ANDRA-championship) brackets, the top qualifying honours went to Leigh Robson (Street Harley), Bill Nash (Scooter Challenge), Luis Izatt (Street Bike), and Blair Pennington (Harley Grudge). The wins went to Michael Cristoforo (Street Harley – over runner-up Anita Harris), Greg Oberti (Scooter Challenge – over Kenny Harris), Jason Lee (Street Bike – over runner-up, Brenton Holder), and Blair Pennington (Harley Grudge – over Beau Strike).
For full results from the All Bike Nationals for the ANDRA championship brackets, please visit: www.andra.com.au/series/results/
ANDRA thanks Dragway at The Bend and all of its volunteers and sponsors for an outstanding racetrack and a well-run event.
The 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship will next be on-track for all brackets at South Coast Raceway’s South Coast Nationals on December 6 and 7. To learn more, visit www.southcoastraceway.com.au
Photo credit: Ben Alexander / Snapshot Media
