By Phil Michell Motorsport Media
One of the biggest events on the South Australian Formula 500 calendar will kick off the season this Saturday night with the running of the “2026 King / Queen of the Bridge” at the Murray Machining and Sheds Murray Bridge Speedway. The event will double as the division’s season opener and competitors will be eager to get their season underway and as a result the event has attracted a high-quality field. The most pleasing aspect is the stunning local entry list that comprises of 14 teams, emphasizing the fact the class is heading in the right direction.
Over the years the locals have had a good record in this event with Whyalla racer Angelo Karoussis dominating as the “King” before Corey Jones took over the mantle of the most recent South Australian winner last season. Once again Jones will enter as the home state favourite following his outstanding 2025/26 season that also saw him secure a third placed run in the Australian Championship at Mount Gambier. Other South Australian entries to keep an eye on this Saturday night include Richard Schmidt, Dean Cottrell, Simon Reichelt and Harrison Pfitzner while the South-East will be represented by Anthony Beare, who finished fifth last season, Brad Turnbull and Ashleigh Johnstone.
Victoria has a strong line-up heading across the border with Australian Champion Terry Rankin hoping to add the “King of the Bridge” title to his growing resume. Rankin will be joined by multiple South Australian Champion Jack Bell, who will drive for Mount Gambier based car owner Jordan Mansell, while James McDonald, Sonny Bell, Kai Malley, Brock Rae and Corey Quick are all capable of producing a trick or two for the locals on Halloween Night.
The format for the event will see each driver contest two rounds of heats, prior to the Top 8 Shootout and the 30 lap Championship decider.
The Junior F500’s will also contest the “Prince / Princess of the Bridge” with a small field nominated with Bordertown’s Max Cook the sole South Australian entry. Cook will be making his first appearance of the season since returning from a short racing campaign in America. After a third placed finish last season Cruz Carlin returns for another attempt to win the title while Flynn Annett and Toby Cook also have past track experience that may prove to be crucial in their bids to claim the all-important A-Main.
With a big support program at the Murray Machining and Sheds Murray Bridge Speedway the on-track action will start earlier than usual with racing beginning at 4:30pm.
Nominations: (21) – A1 Terry Rankin (Vic), S5 Nathan Oshea, V8 Kai Malley, S14 Jack Bell (Vic), V19 Brock Rae, VA20 Corey Quick, S21 Richard Schmidt, S22 Darren Richter, S25 Ashleigh Johnstone, V25 Dylan Anton, S29 Brad Turnbull, S31 Harrison Pfitzner, V37 James MacDonald, S39 Dean Cottrell, S46 Anthony Beare, S49 Jeff Martin, S51 Simon Reichelt, S52 Charlie Shephard, VA52 Marley Courtney, S69 Sonny Bell (Vic), S72 Corey Jones.
Junior Formula 500s: (6) – VA11 Kade Foster, V12 Cruz Carlin, VA15 Flynn Annett, V87 Curtis Morrison, S91 Max Cook, VA95 Toby Cook.
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