Street stock nationals will be year’s biggest speedway race

This story was contributed by Speedway Sedans Australia.

Murray Bridge Speedway is preparing for one of its biggest events in recent memory, with a massive 108 nominations confirmed for the 2026 Street Stock National Title, to be contested on Friday and Saturday.

With drivers converging from every Australian state, the depth of talent assembled ensures the 2026 national title will be one of the most hotly contested in the category’s history.

At the centre of attention is Nathan Thorne, the two-time and defending national champion and notably one of only two drivers in the field to have previously won this title.

Thorne arrives at Murray Bridge as the benchmark once again, having already tasted feature race success at the venue this season and knowing exactly what it takes to prevail on the biggest stage.

The other is Mark Jennings, who raced his way to victory in the 1994-95 title at Mildura; can he turn back the clocks and reclaim the title he first grabbed three decades ago?

Standing firmly among the leading challengers is last year’s Australian number two, Tasmanian-based Braiden Russell, who brings strong form and multiple feature race victories this season.

Russell has proven himself at a national level and will be hungry to go one step further.

Queensland champion Matt Nelson adds further interstate firepower, while local hopes will be pinned on South Australian champion Andy Maxwell junior, who carries both state pride and expectations into the weekend along with a whole host of fellow South Aussies.

Recent form at Murray Bridge Speedway could play a crucial role, and several drivers arrive with confidence already high.

Nigel Reichstein heads into the national title fresh off a feature race victory at Murray Bridge last weekend, while joining him on the season’s winners list at the venue are Drew Flatman, Jake Koivumaki, Thorne and Heath Thorne, all of whom know how to get the job done under lights at the Bridge.

Northern Territorian Koivumaki has amassed an incredible nine feature race wins this season, while Queenslander Travis Hutchison has five victories, West Aussie Cody Avins has four and Russell and Victorian Morris Ahearn are on three apiece.

Add in feature wins this season for other drivers such as Craig Clayton, Jaiden Santin and Mick Clark, and the list of genuine contenders continues to grow.

With over a hundred cars, champions from multiple states, proven winners, and plenty of drivers to get their name up in lights all converging on Murray Bridge, the Street Stock National Title promises plenty of intense, unpredictable and spectacular racing.

• Tickets: $30/20 plus booking fee at www.speedwaytickets.com.au.