Queensland newcomers Lachlan and Kevin Waters #699 roared to the occasion on Sunday in their Can Am Maverick, claiming a breakthrough victory at the PDS Dalby Short Course, Round 1 of the 2025 Mickey Thompson ARB Queensland Off Road Racing Championship.

Waters started the final heat in second, and despite the dusty ‘Weranga’ layout proving a challenge for all competitors, the young Toowoomba butcher launched late to secure a dramatic six second triumph.

“We are stoked to get our first win at Dalby, we knew it was going to be a push to make up 17 seconds on Sunday, but we got there in the end,” said Waters.

“Credit to Dad, the car was a bare chassis two months ago and he has built and prepped a weapon. We leaned on this car all weekend, and as the track deteriorated, we only went quicker, it was a great event.

Class 1 legend Tony Fehlhaber and Dylan Goodsir #138 performed flawlessly all weekend to finish in second. After leading for almost the entire event, Fehlhaber fell tantalising short of a memorable win, nonetheless buoyed by his strong start to the season.

2022 champion Stuart Chapman #1014 continued his love affair with the Dalby layout, piloting his Class 10 single seat Chenowth into third outright at the Gympie Auto Sports Club ran event.

In one of the closest Queensland podiums in recent years, Chapman fell just short of a second Dalby triumph, crossing a mere five seconds behind Fehlhaber, and just eleven off the victor Waters.

Aaron Nicoll #665 recorded his career best finish in fourth, the Class 6 runner-up held off 2023 champion and Can Am compatriot Richard Tassin #691 who rounded out the PDS Dalby Short Course top five, and class podium.

Defending title holder Christian Trusz #816 led the field away on Saturday after dominating the prologue, however an unfortunate flat tyre during the first heat ended his outright hopes.

Despite the setback, Trusz rallied hard to finish with Class 8 honours in eighth outright and was comfortably the fastest car in both heats on Sunday. Jayne Challacombe #838 who impressed in the team’s Mitsubishi Triton, and Steven Ash #862 closed out the Class 8 dais.

Kevy Nott #78 crossed 9th in his V8 powered Element Prodigy, and controlled proceedings in the Ultimate Class, holding off Tom Darlington #63, and Aaron Phillis #40 who finished third in his first drive of the teams new V8 Brenthel.

Class 5 victor Tyler Youman #527 rocketed his Hilux into tenth outright, with Tony Butler #544 rewarded for completing all laps, finishing second in class.

Stephen Blake #6399 debuted his new Polaris in style claiming the Class 66 title, finishing ahead of Shaun Bartlem #6616, and Ross Newman #6681 in second and third.

Jack Huxstep #711 defended his Class 7 crown from twelve months ago, holding off young gun Lincoln Wilcox #717, and newcomer Lincoln Stuade #726, whilst Michael Bertinazzi #451 claimed Class 4 honours over Steven Kildey #412.

The Class 6s podium was an all-ladies lockout, with Lara Brandon #689s reigning in her DRELLs Run Racing Polaris. Anna Phillis #624s found her groove on Sunday to overtake defending Ladies champion Leila Chapman #616s for second spot, just nineteen seconds behind Brandon.

Jack Musico #6688 showcased his skills to win a second Future Champions title on his Dalby debut, surviving defending Queensland champion Cameron Krog #6623 who continues his outstanding record.

Junior champion Jackson Nott #6178 competed against his father Kevy for the very first time at Dalby, and is another who impressed, likewise runner up Lincoln Wilcox #717 who successfully completed his transition from the Future Champions.

33 of the 46 starters completed full distance at Dalby, with notables not to finish including Steven Orr #1051, landowner Pat Philp #182, Daniel Godfrey #60, Steven Kildey #412, Steven Ash #862, Ross Newman #6681, Luke Brandon #690s, Luke Peterson #878, and Luke McNicol #865.

The Queensland Off Road Racing Championship once again would like to thank major sponsors ARB and Mickey Thompson Tyres for their support in 2025, along with other championship sponsors, including Link ECU, Comiskey Mining Services, JSW Powersports, Best Western Plus Hotel North Lakes, Farm and Garden Polaris and Premium Soil Conditioners & Fertilisers.

The 2025 Mickey Thompson ARB Queensland Australian Off Road Racing Championship will now turn its attention to Round 2, the Burdekin Enduro held over the 2nd-4th of May.