MOON AND LOVELL CROWNED 2026 AUSTRALIAN SIDECAR CHAMPIONS
All photos by: Judy Mackay
A brilliant and calculated performance—highlighted by a decisive final two laps—has seen Queensland pairing Tyler Moon and Adam Lovell crowned 2026 Australian Sidecar Champions at Mildura’s Olympic Park Speedway on Saturday night, April 25.
The RCA Civil Group Australian Sidecar Championship delivered a spectacular ANZAC weekend of racing, with all forty-two races packed with intensity and excitement. A large and passionate crowd was treated to high-quality competition across both nights, showing strong support for every team throughout the event.
A FINAL TO REMEMBER
The Championship Final lived up to expectations, producing four laps of high-speed, hard-fought racing.
Top qualifiers Justin Plaisted / Brian Anthony, unbeaten throughout the heats, selected gate two. Former champions Trent Headland / Jaxon Rayner chose gate one after winning the countback against Moon and Lovell, with both teams tied on thirteen points. Moon and Lovell opted for gate three, leaving four-time champions Mark Plaisted / Ben Pitt with gate four.
At the start, Plaisted and Anthony surged into the lead, with Moon and Lovell positioned closely behind. Drama struck early when Headland and Rayner hit a rut in turn two, forcing them infield and resulting in exclusion.
Plaisted and Anthony controlled the race through the opening laps, but Moon steadily closed the gap, utilising a tighter racing line. By lap three, the Queenslanders had moved within striking distance, and in a decisive move through turn four, Moon and Lovell surged past to take the lead.
From there, they controlled the race with authority, extending their advantage and securing victory as the chequered flag fell—claiming their maiden Australian Sidecar Championship in emphatic fashion.
A POPULAR AND EMOTIONAL VICTORY
The Mildura crowd responded warmly to the popular win, recognising the dedication of a team that had competed extensively at Olympic Park throughout the season, including their victory in the 2026 Victorian Sidecar Championship.
The triumph carried added significance, coming 35 years after Tyler’s father, the late Gary Moon, claimed his own Australian title in 1991.
Celebrations followed immediately, with Moon and Lovell delivering spectacular wheelstands to the delight of the crowd, as the Championship returned to Queensland.
FINAL RESULTS
1. Tyler Moon / Adam Lovell
2. Justin Plaisted / Brian Anthony
3. Mark Plaisted / Ben Pitt
4. Trent Headland / Jaxon Rayner (excluded)
SPORTSMANSHIP ON DISPLAY
In a moment that highlighted the spirit of the sport, it was revealed during presentations that Mark Plaisted had loaned a clutch to Tyler Moon during the meeting—an act that perfectly demonstrated the camaraderie that exists within the sidecar community.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Racing across both nights was of the highest standard, with several teams recording some of the fastest times ever seen at Olympic Park. The Mildura Motorcycle Club track staff received widespread praise for producing exceptional racing surfaces, ensuring all competitors had the opportunity to perform at their best.
The “B” Final added further excitement, with Mark Plaisted / Ben Pitt claiming victory ahead of:
* Nate Headland / Harry Hearne
* Brodie Cohen / Jesse Headland
* Byren Gates / Damian Egan
These results determined the final Championship placings from fifth to seventh.
THE NEXT GENERATION
A standout feature of the 2026 Championship was the emergence of younger teams making a significant impact. The success of Moon and Lovell signals a generational shift, with rising combinations continuing to push the sport forward with skill, speed, and professionalism.
A RESPECTFUL ANZAC TRIBUTE
The weekend was further enhanced by a moving and respectful ANZAC ceremony conducted prior to racing. In partnership with the Mildura RSL Sub Branch, a solemn service was delivered featuring the Ode, Last Post, and National Anthem, performed by local vocalist Hazel Symonds. The ceremony was conducted with great respect and was warmly received by all in attendance.
LOOKING AHEAD
The 2026 Championship brings the Mildura season to a close, capping off an outstanding campaign at Olympic Park Speedway.
Looking ahead, the Mildura Motorcycle Club is already preparing for an exciting 2026/27 season, beginning in October, which will again feature top-level competition and visiting international riders. The club will also celebrate a major milestone with the 50th Anniversary of the Mildura Sidecar Spectacular, the longest-running non-title event in Australian speedway.
