Six Australian champions will be crowned at Gunnedah’s Balcary Park this weekend, as the Yamaha Aussie Flat Track Nationals (AFTN) roars into town for its 2026 season finale.
The big names will be out in force, and while some title races look all but decided, eight races in the premier class means nothing is locked in yet.
“Once again we’re preparing for a huge finale at Gunnedah’s Balcary Park,” said Series Organiser Dave Maddock.
“The riders love the oil track and it always has this knack of producing top class racing.”
Cameron Dunker is the favourite in the Pro 450 class, heading into Gunnedah with a healthy points lead over a high-class field.
“Cam Dunker will be the man to beat in Pro 450, he’s risen to another level this year but he is up against world class opposition – if anyone can close a gap in the points it will be Max Whale,” Maddock said.
Max Whale, in his first full AFTN season since returning from America, sits second and will be out to spoil the party.
Brothers Tom and Sam Drane will also be hunting race wins, while Billy Ryan carries form into Gunnedah after winning his home round at Griffith.
“It was great to see both Tom and Sam Drane competing back on Aussie soil, but the fact they didn’t have it all their own way shows how strong this Pro 450 field really is,” Maddock said.
Missing from the line-up is popular Gunnedah veteran Daniel Wicks, who is sidelined with injury.
Dunker said he was taking a fresh approach into the finale.
“I’ve been approaching racing in a different way this year, I’m not nervous at all,” Dunker said.
“I’m just going to go out and do my thing and try and win some races, it’s all I can do.”
“Obviously, the other guys are going to be fast but if I go out and do what I know I’m capable of, then we will have nothing to worry about.”
The thumping Pro Twins will race on the flat track layout on Saturday only, with John Lytras the man to beat.
In Junior Lites, Jed Fyffe is almost certain to take the title. But the gap has been closing, and the rest of the field will be keen to show what they can do at the final double header, including Gunnedah local Nate Jaeger.
Flynn Beard leads Kru Tulloch by 125 points in Junior 85s, with Cooper Quinn close behind. Like Pro 450, the gap is big, but there is a lot of racing left.
“Alongside Junior Lites where Jed Fyffe has been a total standout, we also have Junior 85s where we will see if Flynn Beard can hold on for the title,” Maddock said.
Two new classes are also set to crown their first champions.
The Over 35s All Powers class is designed to keep everyone riding and competing, and Neil Girdler leads the way, 82 points clear of Ajay Muggleton.
At the other end of the age range, Harley Ford holds a narrow lead over Hudson Raffin in the new 65 Trackers class.
“Our two new classes this season have been a real hit – they work at opposite ends of the age spectrum and it means the whole family can have a fun weekend racing,” Maddock said.
Racing will be on the flat track layout on Saturday before switching to the TT layout on Sunday.
Saturday, 7 November:
- Qualifying from 9am
- Pro 450 Superpole at 10.45am
- Racing from 11.15am
- Last race at 4.30pm
Sunday, 8 November:
- Qualifying from 9am
- Pro 450 Superpole at 10.30am
- Racing from 11am
- Last race at 3.50pm
Tickets are available from Rider Support Australia.
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