BURDEKIN ROARS AS AUSTRALIAN TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS DRAW THOUSANDS

Local supporters also had plenty to cheer about in the ATV Open, with Burdekin rider Len Quagliata (pictured) claiming the Australian championship Photo credit: Peter Campbell and Epic Pics

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Contributed with thanks by Ayr Motorcycle Club

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Ayr Motorcycle Club has celebrated a hugely successful weekend after thousands of spectators flocked to Brandon Sports Reserve for the 2026 JR’s Motorcycle & Suspension Specialists Australian Track Championships.

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Held over Saturday and Sunday, the championships attracted riders and supporters from across Australia, with competitors travelling from as far away as Victoria to battle for national honours.

The two-day event delivered plenty of high-speed racing and close competition, while the large crowds created an electric atmosphere around the track.

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One of the standout performances of the weekend came from Neiko Donovan (#177), who took an impressive three Australian championship titles.

Donovan dominated the Pro 250, MX Open and Pro 450 classes, establishing himself as one of the stars of the championships.

In Pro 250, Donovan finished ahead of Paolo-D’Amato Barbaro (#728) and Dan Garard (#964).

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He then claimed the MX Open title ahead of Brayden Bradford and Cooper Andersen (#61).

Donovan completed his championship treble in Pro 450, with Lucas Quinn (#144) taking second and Damien Koppe (#560) third.

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The Pro Open Women championship was won by Latiya Hyde (#207), with Mia Blackford (#309) second and Burdekin local Claire Day (#48) taking an impressive third place.

Local supporters also had plenty to cheer about in the ATV Open, with Burdekin rider Len Quagliata (#25) claiming the Australian championship.

Quagliata finished ahead of Peter Ready (#88) and Gerard Land (#68) to take the national title on home soil.

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The Sidecar championship was won by Matthew Davies and Wayne O’Meley (#414), followed by Cameron O’Meley and Seth Horrocks (#341) in second and Darren Fien and Shaun Fien (#49) in third.

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The action wasn't limited to the championship classes, with the support classes also producing some impressive racing and plenty of local success.

A number of Burdekin riders took to the podium across the support categories, giving the home crowd plenty more to cheer about throughout the weekend.

Away from the racing, the Ayr Motorcycle Club created a full weekend of entertainment for competitors, families and spectators.

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The club canteen opened early, serving breakfast and food throughout the weekend, while JR’s Bar and live music on Saturday afternoon added to the atmosphere.

The event also provided a significant boost to the wider Burdekin, with visitors travelling into the region for the championships and local businesses and organisations getting behind the major sporting event.

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Behind the scenes, the weekend was the result of months of preparation and a huge effort from Ayr Motorcycle Club members and volunteers, who worked to prepare the track, facilities and event operations.

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The support of local sponsors, businesses and the wider community was also an important part of bringing a national championship to Ayr.

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Ayr Motorcycle Club President Karl Vass said the success of the championships was a credit to everyone involved.

“We couldn’t have put on an event of this size without the incredible support we received," he said.

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“A huge thank you to all of our sponsors, particularly our major sponsor, JR’s Motorcycles, for their incredible support of the championships. We also want to acknowledge our committee for the countless hours they put in behind the scenes, and every club member and volunteer who gave up their time to help make the weekend such a success.

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“There is a massive amount of work that goes into hosting an Australian Championship, and it really is a team effort. To see thousands of people through the gates, riders travelling from all over Australia and so many people enjoying the weekend made all the hard work worthwhile.”

With thousands of spectators attending across the two days, riders travelling from interstate, national titles going to local competitors and numerous Burdekin riders reaching the podium in the support classes, the weekend proved a significant success for Ayr Motorcycle Club.

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For the Burdekin, it was a chance to showcase the region on a national stage—and for the Ayr Motorcycle Club, a weekend that demonstrated what can be achieved when a club and its community come together.

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