The fourth running of the TA2 Tag Team Enduro will see a stacked grid of 25 cars taking to Queensland Raceway this weekend May 1-3. 

Reigning TA2 Tag Team Enduro winners Alice Buckley and Tim Slade return to defend their title after a solid performance in 2025, with the duo aiming to go back to back. 

2025 TA2 champion Jarrod Hughes will partner with this year’s TA2 New Zealand champion Caleb Byers in the #1 ACDelco/IES Motorsport back Chev Camaro.

Matt Stone Racing will field strong mix of experience and emerging talent, with Tommy Smith teaming up with his Uncle, former Supercars driver and Trans Am regular Jack Smith, while Chris Smerdon partners with 2024 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge champion and GT star Oscar Targett, who is also making his debut in a TA2 car,  and MSR rookie Pat Neville will be joined by Toyota 86 driver Sam Simpson. 

Supercars Penrite Racing co-driver Will Davison will team up with Ben Gomersall this weekend. Davison is no stranger to TA2 Muscle Cars, having already made his category debut in New Zealand earlier this year.

Walkinshaw TWG star Ryan Wood is set to make his TA2 debut in a Mustang, partnering junior TWG driver Pip Casabene with the Waltec-backed entries of Tyler Cheney and Tim Brook rounding out a strong team line up. 

Dick Johnson Racing driver Brodie Kostecki will return with Norwell Factory Racing combining with Super 2 front runner and Tickford driver Nash Morris. Kostecki paired with Paul Morris in last year’s enduro where they took three podium finishes. 

Fresh off his victory in the 2026 Bathurst 6 Hour, Ben Kavich will make his TA2 Muscle Car Series debut in a Chev Camaro, teaming up with experienced campaigner Ben Grice and is aiming to replicate his recent Bathurst success. 

Former Porsche Carrera Cup driver Max Vidau will team up with fellow South Australian Joel Heinrich this weekend. Vidau is no stranger to the category, having previously competed in the two driver event in 2023.

Round one outright winner Jackson Rice pairs up with West Aussie Chase Hoy who has previously driven in the Trans Am Cup Series. 

Other two-driver combinations include Ryan MacMillan/Cameron Mcleod, Brock Paine/Brad Gartner, Paul Hadley/Graham Cheney, Josh Thomas/Diesel Thomas, Mark Crutcher/Hugh McAlister, Danny Reidy/Charlie Parker, Kody Garland/Ayrton Hodson, Warren Wadley/Hayden Hume, Robbie Farr/Jason Pryde, Clinton Rayner/Dion Jarvis and Steve Wilson/Nick Lange. 

The format will see a sprint race for each of the lead drivers both Saturday and Sunday while two 40 minute enduro races will feature a compulsory driver change mid race, with the team that has accumulated the most amount of points over the six races will be declared the 2026 TA2 Tag Team Enduro Winners. 

Round 2 of the TA2 Muscle Car Series kicks off May 1-3 at Queensland Raceway. Saturday and Sunday’s action live on SBS on Demand/SBS Viceland, Fox Sports and Kayo Sports from 1pm. 
 

QUOTES

Ryan Wood, #19 Casabene Group, Ford Mustang 
“I’ve had my eye on the TA2 Series for a while and was keen to get involved. A lot of Supercars drivers have raced in the category, but I’ve never had the opportunity until now, so when Pip asked me about teaming up for the enduro, it was an easy yes. I’m really looking forward to the weekend.”

“It also made sense with Pip being part of the Walkinshaw Academy. I’m hoping I can help him where I can, share a bit of experience and make sure he takes something valuable away from the weekend."

“I had my first drive of the car on Tuesday and it was a lot of fun. It’s definitely different to what I’m used to, so I’m looking forward to learning more about the car, understanding the tyre and taking on a new challenge.”
 

Alice Buckley, #150 Chevrolet Racing, Chev Camaro 
“It’s a pretty special weekend being able to race with Tim again. Of course, the goal is to back up last year’s result and come away with the win. Being our home round makes it even more meaningful, and getting to share the car with someone I look up to who’s also been a mentor to me, is something really special.”

“There’s a lot of strong competition this year, so it won’t be easy, but I’m confident we’ve got the car and the team to be right in the fight. We’re looking forward to the weekend.”

Kody Garland, #41 Kody Garland Racing, Ford Mustang 
“The Bend was a real learning curve for me, as these cars are quite different to anything I’ve driven before. That said, I took a lot out of the weekend and feel much better prepared heading into the Tag Team Enduro.”

“Teaming up with Ayrton Hodson is a great combination and gives me plenty of confidence, especially with such a strong field. A top-10 finish would be a really solid result for us. We also had a positive test day at Queensland Raceway a few weeks ago, where we both showed strong pace and shared similar feedback on the car, which is really encouraging heading into the weekend.”

Entry List 

#00 Ryan MacMillan/Cameron McLeod, IES Motorsport, Ford Mustang 

#1 Jarrod Hughes/Caleb Byers, ACDelco/IES Motorsport, Chev Camaro 

#3 Steve Wilson/Nick Lange, Wilson Auto, Chev Camaro 

#4 Mark Crutcher/Hugh McAlister, Crutcher Developments, Ford Mustang

#5 Danny Reidy/Charlie Parker, Desert Palms Alice Springs, Chev Camaro 

#7 Robbie Farr/Jason Pryde, Sinopec Premium Lubricants, Chev Camaro 

#9 Cam Laws/Cody Gillis, Castle Railing, Chev Camaro 

#16 Joel Heinrich/Max Vidau, Osborn’s Transport, Ford Mustang 

#18 Diesel Thomas/Josh Thomas, TFH Racing, Ford Mustang 

#19 Pip Casabene/Ryan Wood, Casabene Group, Ford Mustang 

#32 Ben Gomersall/Will Davison, Unit Racing, Ford Mustang 

#33 Brock Paine/Brad Gartner, Cure4CF Foundation, Chev Camaro 

#37 Jackson Rice/Chase Hoy, Hi-Tec Olis, Chev Camaro

#38 Tyler Cheney/Tim Brook, IES Motorsport, Chev Camaro 

#39 Chris Smerdon/Oscar Targett, Stroud Homes, Chev Camaro 

#41 Kody Garland/Ayrton Hodson, Kody Garland Racing, Ford Mustang 

#50 Paul Hadley/Graham Cheney, IES Motorsport, Chev Camaro 

#63 Des Collier/Elliot Barbour, TFH Racing, Ford Mustang 

#67 Nash Morris/Brodie Kostecki, Norwell Factory Racing, Ford Mustang 

#76 Clinton Rayner/Dion Jarvis, Perth Forklift Sales and Hire, Chev Camaro 

#88 Warren Wadley/Hayden Hume, Wadley Property Group, Ford Mustang 

#89 Patrick Neville/Sam Simpson, Stroud Homes, Chev Camaro 

#92 Ben Kavich/Ben Grice, Team Thryv Race For A Cure, Chev Camaro 

#116 Tommy Smith/Jack Smith, SCT Logistics, Chev Camaro 

#150 Alice Buckley/Tim Slade, Chevrolet Performance, Chev Camaro 

This weekend’s final round of the NZ TA2 Series will see not only the Champion crowned, but that driver will also be awarded a seat beside 2025 Australian TA2 Champion Jarrod Hughes in the up coming TA2 Tag Team Enduro event at Queensland Raceway 1^st - 3^rd of May. 

Three drivers will be in contention for the seat, each representing a Camaro, Dodge and Mustang body shape which TA2 Australia Category Manager Matt MacKelden said was a brilliant end to the inaugural season of a stand alone TA2 Championship in NZ.  

“The category has enjoyed a strong first year as a Championship and is also now recognised as the New Zealand Touring Car Championship, so it’s only fitting that the New Zealand Touring Car Champion and our series Champion take on the best of TA2 in Australia,” said MacKelden. 

“Its really exciting that three drivers, Caleb Byers in a Camaro, Dylan Grant in a Dodge and Toby Elmiger in a Mustang will be in contention and who ever takes out the crown will be a worthy addition to what has become TA2’s signature event in Australia every year.”

“We’ll be releasing the entry list in the next week or so, but you can expect some Supercars drivers, some super 2 drivers, GT drivers, and former and current TA2 Champions so whoever wins in NZ this weekend will be fighting it out with some heavy hitters come May.” 

The NZ drivers won’t have all their own way this weekend with two Australian regulars in Nathan Herne who dominated the Trans Am Cup Series at Bathurst last weekend and 2026 Round 1 TA2 podium placer Tyler Cheney each making their way across the ditch for the final round.

Prolific car builder and US motorsport legend Chas Howe, builder of the Howe Chassis used in Australian and NZ TA2 Competition has also made his way across to the North Island circuit after visiting Mount Panorama last weekend. 

Catch all of this weekend’s action live on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Sky Sports NZ. 

The 2026 TA2 Muscle Car Series has kicked off with two action packed races which has seen two first time winners climb to the top step with Tyler Cheney and Tommy Smith taking the honours in race one and race 2 at Shell V Power Motorsport Park Saturday March 14^th.

Cheney and Smith swapped the lead on multiple occasions while also fending off challenges from Joel Heinrich and returning driver Jackson Rice however it was Cheney that took advantage of a mistake by Smith to take the win from Rice, Heinrich and Super 2 driver Alice Buckley.

Race two proved to be an action packed affair as Smith, Cheney, Heinrich, and Buckley once again battled for supremacy with Smith eventually taking the honours ahead of a fast-finishing Heinrich and Cheney. After a close fought start, Smith, who has returned to Australia from racing in Europe and the USA got the jump into turn one as Cheney hung around the outside and the two went side by side through the sweeper with Smith eventually coming out on top.

Jackson Rice once again featured heavily in the Hi-Tec Oils Camaro but couldn’t quite close the gap despite multiple passing attempts.

Race two proved to be a bruising affair for multiple drivers with the TFH backed Thomas brothers, Clinton Rayner, Kiara Zabetakis and Ben Gomersall all suffering race ending damage.

All competitors get the opportunity for a re set Sunday morning with qualifying and another two races to finish off round one.

QUOTES

Tyler Cheney, Carlton Dry #38 Chev Camaro 
“It’s been a fantastic start to the weekend for me in the TA2 series. To secure my first pole position in qualifying this morning and then follow it up with my first race win was a great result. Race two was a tough one, but I was able to hold on for third.”

“As it’s my first full season in the series, I’m really excited to have a strong crack at the championship. Hopefully we can carry this momentum into tomorrow and deliver another strong result.”

Joel Heinrich, Osborne Transport #16 Ford Mustang 
“I’m super stoked to be racing in the TA2 Series this year, and it’s pretty special to have round one at my home track here at The Bend Motorsport Park. It’s exciting to step into a new series with new challenges, and I’ve really been enjoying the experience so far.” 

“I’ve learnt a lot already and it’s been a solid start to the weekend. Our qualifying pace wasn’t quite where we wanted it to be, but our race pace was strong, which helped us secure a podium in the second race today. A huge thanks to the team for their hard work, I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do tomorrow.”

Tommy Smith, SCT Logistics #116 Chev Camaro 
“Day one here at The Bend is done and it’s been a really good day for me. I finished second in race one and then was able to take my first win in race two. To be honest, it was a little unexpected, especially after practice where we were eighth, but we managed to put together a really strong lap in qualifying and built momentum from there. A huge thank you to the guys at Matt Stone Racing for all their hard work. Hopefully we can keep it up tomorrow.”

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.” 

Freem Racewear distributed by Rear Wing have announced today that not only they’ve extended their relationship with the TA2 Muscle Car Series but also expanded their partnership to include the Trans Am Cup Series, now enjoying “Official Racewear Partner” position for both series in Australia.

Having enjoyed a stellar first year with TA2, Freem Racewear Director Richard Murrell said adding the Trans Am Cup Series was a natural addition to the partnership and he couldn’t be more pleased to confirm the brands on ongoing support.

“It’s clear that TA2 and Trans Am are two of the fastest growing categories in Australia and I’m looking forward to seeing many of the suits that Freem Racewear has already designed and delivered into the market make their debuts for the 2026 season starting next week at The Bend Motorsport Park.” Said Murrell

TA2 and Trans Am Cup Series Category Manager Matty MacKelden welcomed back Richard and Freem to the family saying that having corporate partners that deliver a quality product was a defining reason why TA2 and Trans Am was pleased the relationship was continuing.

“I’ve known Richard for 15 years and I’ve never heard any negative feedback about the product and I know from personal experience as a Freem suit owner that the quality is top shelf.” Said MacKelden. 

“I love the fact that the 2026 Series Champion from both TA2 and Trans Am, plus the Pro Am and Masters Champion and our Rookies of the Year will receive product from Freem as a reward for their efforts just as Jarrod Hughes has received for his 2025 TA2 title which will make it's debut at round one of the Trans Am Cup Series at the Bathurst 6 Hour.

The TA2 Muscle Car Series will kick off the 2026 season at Shell-V Power Motorsport Park next weekend on March 14 and 15 with free to air coverage on SBS plus Kayo and Fox Sports while the Trans Am Cup Series starts 2026 off at the Bathurst 6 Hour over the Easter weekend with bumper fields full of emerging and current talent plus high profile names like Farr, Hughes, Gomersall and Buckley lining up on the grids.