Photo credit: BigFoot Media
The ARB Mickey Thompson Queensland Off Road Racing Championship returns to Esk this weekend for the 2026 Emervale Short Course, hosted by the Gympie Auto Sports Club.
Despite defending champion Zac Marsh not among the starters, a strong 34-car field will tackle Round 5 at Esk, with championship contenders David Loughnan #104, Nick Pye #629, and Conroy Devine #608 leading the field in what promises to be a crucial round in the title chase.
After a luckless third-place finish at the recent 150 Miles, where mechanical issues halted his charge, Conroy Devine remains the one to beat at Esk, with close friend Nick Pye who finished second at Dalby, and Burdekin runner-up David Loughnan looming as his main dangers.
Photo credit: em.edia
One of the weekend’s biggest storylines will be the Ultimate buggy debut of third-generation racer Lincoln Taylor. The 17-year-old rising star will add another chapter to the Taylor family’s rich off-road racing legacy.
Fresh from his recent Porsche Sprint Challenge success at the Queensland Raceway, Taylor #24 will pilot the very same Tatum AK47 buggy that his uncle Ryan Taylor drove to the Australian Off Road Championship title in 2022.
Photo credit: BigFoot Media
Others to keep an eye on at Emervale include Polaris Charger Luke Brandon #613, Killa Racing’s Steven Kildey #488, Jason Sait #674 who makes his first appearance of 2026, former Dalby winner Richard Tassin #691, Tom Darlington #63, and Class 5 spearhead Michael Ranson #507.
All classes will be represented with Kelvyn Kruger #44, Paul Vann #287, Chris Vowles #498, Rob Chapman #571, Ross Newman #681, Matt Stampfli #650, Darren Brandon #689s, Stephen Blake #6639, Jayme Challacombe #838, and Peter Makeham #1122 amongst the notable crews.
Photo credit: BigFoot Media
Spectators can also look forward to seeing female drivers Leila Chapman #616s, Anna Phillis #624s, Nicci Orr #1015, and Piper Power #1060 take to the track, while Jack Musico #6688 will fly the flag as the sole Future Champion entrant in the field.
The Emervale Short Course held down Esk Hampton Road also plays host to Round 2 the Fraser Coast Sand & Gravel Trifecta, and Round 2 of the 2026 Queensland Off Road Short Course Championship.
Photo credit: BigFoot Media
The Queensland AORRA Championship would like to acknowledge their 2026 naming rights sponsors, ARB 4×4 Accessories and Mickey Thompson Tyres, along with Link ECU, JSW Powersports, Best Western Plus Hotel North Lakes, Farm and Garden Polaris, Comiskey Mining Services, and Premium Soil Conditioners & Fertilisers for their support.
The 2026 Emervale Short Course, Round 5 of the ARB Mickey Thompson Tyres Queensland Off Road Racing Championship takes place this weekend, over the 19th-21st of June.
By TC Media
Pics courtesy of BigFoot Media & em.edia
