Competitive field set for TA2 Muscle Car Series season opener at The Bend Motorsport Park

The 2026 TA2 Muscle Car Series gets underway this weekend, with Round One at Shell V Power Motorsport Park on March 14-15 as part of the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series featuring solid 21 car grid which includes a mix of rookies and experienced drivers. 

Super 2 drivers Alice Buckley, Ben Gomersall and Tommy Smith join the field for the opening round, while Patrick Neville and Chris Smerdon are set to make their TA2 series debut with Matt Stone Racing.

Aussie Racing Car standouts Kody Garland and Joel Heinrich step into the TA2 Muscle Car Series for their first full season, both taking the wheel of Ford Mustangs, the duo famous for their Aussie Racing Car rivalry.

Kiara Zabetakis will also return this weekend for the first time since Sydney last year meaning two female drivers will take to the grid for the entirety of the TA2 Season. 

Walkinshaw TWG Racing Jnr Driver racer Pip Casabene swaps his Toyota GR Cup and will make his TA2 debut this weekend with Waltec Motorsport in the ex-Jordan Cox Mustang , joining teammate Tyler Cheney, who is set to contest his first full season behind the wheel of a Camaro.

Jackson Rice makes his return to the category this weekend, while Western Australia driver Clint Rayner will join the field full time with Ashley Jarvis Racing. 

Familiar names will again feature on the grid in 2026, with Brock Paine, Cam Laws, Josh Thomas, Diesel Thomas and Des Collier confirmed to return, alongside the speedway gang of Robbie Farr and Danny Reidy.

The opening round of the 2026 TA2 Muscle Car Series features four thrilling races over the weekend, taking place from March 14-15. Fans can catch all the action live on SBS, Fox Sports and Kayo Sports. 

QUOTES

Matt MacKelden, TA2 National Category Manager 

“This has to be the most hotly contested year in TA2’s history and we’re super pleased to welcome so many new names plus welcome back plenty of drivers from the 2025 season”. 

“The Bend is a great place to kick off the season with the open flowing corners and super long straight and with the Super Series running on the shorter West Circuit I’d expect there to be plenty of action all weekend.”