With just one week to go until the highly anticipated 2026 Off Road Racing Competition season is brought to life, excitement is building across the Australian off-road community. Teams, drivers, and support crews have spent months in the off-season fine-tuning vehicles, rebuilding engines, upgrading suspension setups, and logging countless test kilometres in preparation for the challenges ahead. Read more below about how competitors from all over Australia got prepped in the off season and how they’re going to tackle 2026.
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From QLD, The Chapmans Offroad Racing Team have been prepping Clayton and Adams Razorback Ultimate buggy to take on the national ARB Australian Off Road Racing Championship and strive for the No.1 plate, as well as defend their King of the River title at the Don River Dash. “There aren’t many changes to the buggy, but a Speedline Race Engine freshen up of the 2JZ and gearbox by MR Transmissions.”
“Stuarts Class 10 Chenowth is up for sale as a new Razorback sister car is under construction, hopefully ready by the end of this year. The team have been freshening up the one of a kind Class 8 Triton to make some appearances throughout the 2026 QLD season. Leilas Polaris has had a gearbox repaired by the team at Farm and Garden to get ready to take on some QLD events throughout the year. Rob is prepping his long-term Class 8 Pajero to bring out to the QLD short course races. Mitch and Larissa will be bringing out the teams 2nd Polaris and taking on the Gundy 250 and other awesome QLD races.”
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“For the 2026 season, the team aim to enjoy the amazing sport that is Offroad Racing; seeing parts of the country as we travel to events and spend time with great likeminded people and build memories, being part of the Gympie Auto Sport Club and helping to run events for competitors to enjoy. The team are very fortunate to have the backing and support of many great companies. Carrying over from last year are Mickey Thompson Tires, Penrite Oils, Link ECU, Chapmans Performance Dyno Tuning, Speedline Race Engines, MR Transmissions, Moderna Engineering and Raceline Wheels. New to the team for 2026 we are excited to be supported by Premium Soil Conditioner and Sheroz Earthworks.”
Keep up with Chapmans Offroad Racing Team here:
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Jake Williamson from Victoria, #1042, is prepared to jump back into his car after a long break. “The off season has been relatively easy so far on my end, as far as prep work goes. Since July last year, the car has been at Dean Williams Engineering being rebuilt after an accident in late 2024. Roll around to 2026 and the car is like brand new. I can’t thank Dean enough for the first class work he has done over the last 6 months. The normal stuff like CVs and Axles have been refreshed as well as the beam front end.”
“The plan for this year is to attempt as many races as possible for the Southern States Series and the GORBA club championship; they both have awesome tracks! The goal isn’t to win a championship, it’s to get seat time and continue to learn the car, now it’s had some upgrades. Also to finish as many races as I can and just have fun.”
“I have had a great backing from my sponsors, which has continued in 2026. I am proud to have their businesses showcased on the car, without them I don’t get to go away and do what I enjoy most. A huge thanks to the following, SHS CIVIL, Resbuild Construction, B & M Landscaping, SPW Engineering and Powdercoating, Dean Williams Engineering, AC Signtek.”
“I’d also like to thank my parents, Stewie and Trina, my wife Bec, and my pit crew Barry, Turbo and whoever else tags along. They are always there to help and jump in when needed, it’s greatly appreciated! I really enjoy being able to go away for multiple weekends in the year with great company, bring on 2026!”
Keep up with Williamson Racing here:
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Jay Mitchell, #121 from NSW, is set to take on the ARB Australian Off Road Racing Championship season after a year of learning how his new car behaves. Jay has given his car a full overhaul for the upcoming season including maintenance to the shocks, hubs and engine. “We are excited to be testing a few new suspension components this year.”
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“The plan for 2026 is to start with the home race at The Gap 440 in late March then continue to follow the ARB Australian Off Road Racing Championship Rounds. The Gap 440 is an event I’m very excited to compete in, racing a national event on my family farm will be an awesome experience. We’d also like to run in a few Club races in between. This year we hope to get Dad behind the wheel as well.”
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“In 2025, we did a couple of mixed races, starting with 2 short course races at Darrens Day Out and The Gap 150. We had some really good results and finished 2nd Outright in both races. It was a great opportunity to learn how to drive the car and see how the car behaves. We competed in my first national round at Waikerie in July, placing 1st in Class and 4th Outright, and couldn’t have asked for a better race! At The Pines Enduro all was going to plan until a slight misjudgement of a corner which resulted in a small roll. However, the year still ended great, with a 3rd in Class finish.”
✍️ AORRA Publicity Officer
Amelia Chasemore
