By Phil Michell Motorsport Media
South Australian speedway fans will have the opportunity to head back to the race track this weekend (September 12) with the Wingless Sprints headlining the official opening night at the Murray Machining and Sheds Murray Bridge Speedway. Despite the season starting slightly earlier than in the past it hasn’t influenced the nomination list with a staggering 37 drivers indicating that they are ready to get their racing season underway. This comes on the back of over 20 drivers heading to Murray Bridge last weekend for the traditional pre-season Saturday afternoon practice.
Last season former National Champion Joel Chadwick was at his dominant best as he was rarely beaten in his debut season driving for car owners Andrew and Lyn May and he returns to the seat of the #47 again this year. Chadwick was victorious in the last event at the venue in March and he will be hoping to continue his run of form this Saturday night.
Joining Chadwick among the favourites will be current and dual Australian Champion Tyson Martin, South-East residents Mitch Broome and Kirby Hillyer, local residents Mason Merritt, Brett Ireland and Robert Heard and “Rapid” Rylan Furler.
Of the driver listed above it great to see Mitch Broome, who is a former Northern Territory state champion, returning to the track after not racing at Murray Bridge at all last season, but his lack of recent track time won’t slow the Mount Gambier racer down.
Outside of the established leading driver’s others to watch include the likes of Ryley Hamerstein and Thomas Walkom, who have both claimed main event victories in recent seasons, Bordertown’s James Rodda, Andy Thomas, teenager Josh Rusby, Michael “Spike” Spoljaric and Hayden Mason.
As has been the case in recent years several new competitors have joined the field this weekend including former Sprintcar driver Austin McDonald, Jayme Manfield, Matthew McCallum and Cameron Brooks with several more expected in the meetings to come. Also rejoining the Wingless Sprint ranks after over 12 months away are Anthony Tapley and William Caruso, with both competitors getting back into the seat last weekend and it won’t take them long to get back up to race speed.
In further Wingless news both Hayden Mason and Sam Martin were in action last Saturday afternoon in their new rides as they prepare for their first full season behind the wheel of a V8 Sprintcar as they enter the 360/LS class along with their Wingless commitments. Also on track was regular Wingless racer Kaitlyn Vickers who enjoyed a guest appearance in the Perrett Family Racing LS Sprintcar. We wish them well for the season ahead.
With such a large field the format will comprise of four heats per round (8 heats) a B-Main and a 20-car final.
Event Details: Saturday 12th September 2026, Murray Bridge Speedway – 37 Nominations:
A1 Tyson Martin, S2 Ryder Blight, S4 Anthony Tapley, S8 Darryl Sloan, S9 Norm Moore Snr, S10 William Caruso, S14 Joshua Rusby, S15 Ryan Broome, S17 Brad Kirtland, S18 Brett Ireland, S19 Michael Spoljaric, S22 Jamie Crafter, S25 Hayden Jericho, S26 Rylan Furler, S27 Jordan Kervers, S28 Ryley Hammerstein, S29 Hayden Mason, S30 Matthew McCallum (ROF 1), S33 Lachlan Evans, S35 Mitchell Broome, S38 James Rodda, S47 Joel Chadwick, S49 Darryl Knuckey, S51 Noah Smith (ROF), S55 Mason Merritt, S57 Robert Heard, S58 Austin McDonald (ROF 1), S71 Jayme Manfield (ROF 1), S74 Byron Wright (ROF), S84 Jesse Alexander, S86 Kirby Hillyer, S88 Cameron Brooks (ROF 1), S92 Thomas Walkom, S95 Andy Thomas, S96 Sharni Pitcher, S97 Leanne Turner, S99 Michael Busby.
Release by Phil Michell Motorsport Media for SA Wingless Sprints
Photo: Snapper’s Photographix
Ends Release…
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