Early September Start For Wingless Season
By Phil Michell Motorsport Media
After what has seemed to be one of the shortest off seasons in recent years the new South Australian Wingless Sprint season will begin this Saturday night (September 20) at the Murray Machining and Sheds Murray Bridge Speedway. The opening show of the year has attracted a field of 34 drivers, with the list of nominations suggesting that the battle for the first South Australian main event victory will be wide open.
Although the season is just kicking off there are several drivers who have already seen on track action recently including Tailem Bend’s Sam Martin, Kaitlin Vickers and Sharni Pitcher, therefore they may have an advantage over the rest of the field knowing that there hasn’t been any local early season practice sessions.
Martin will return to four wheels this weekend after a trip to Darwin’s Northline Speedway a few weeks ago, where he finished on the podium in the 2025 Northern Territory 500cc Solo Championship, while Vickers was in action last weekend supporting the “Micro’s on the Murray” event at The Bend. Sharni Pitcher is another competitor who has been extremely busy lately having competed in Darwin during the Chariots of Thunder.
Joining them at Murray Bridge on Saturday night will be the likes of pre-race favourite Rylan Furler, local’s Mason Merritt and Robert Heard, Bordertown’s James Rodda, Kadina’s Tate Cowie, Darryl Knuckey, Lockie and Caleb Evans, Thomas Walkom, Michael Busby, Darryl Sloan, Ross Miller, and Michael Spoljaric.
One driver who will unfortunately be missing this season is regular front runner Anthony Tapley, who has stepped aside from driving the Andrew and Lyn May owned #47 after winning the 2024/25 SA State Series, and finishing third overall in the State Points. Taking his place will be dual Australian Champion Joel Chadwick and this new combination will be a strong one. Rookie Nick May will share the driving duties with Joel throughout the season.
After more than a decade away from Wingless Sprint racing Brad Kirtland is among a number of new competitors for the 2025/26 season with the list including Mount Gambier’s Ryan Broome, Brother of leading competitor Mitch, former circuit racer Hayden Jericho, Ryan Watts, Hayden and Joshua Mason and Byron Wright.
Hamilton based racer Aaron Kennett will make the trek from Victoria along with Mildura residents Jordon Bolitho and Diesel Fallon. Last season Fallon was the recipient of the Club’s “Encouragement Award,” and the youngster will want to build on what was an impressive season having stepped up from Junior Sedans.
The format for the night will feature two rounds of heat races, a B-main, and a 20-car A-Main over 25 laps.
Event Details – Opening Night – Murray Bridge Speedway, Saturday 20th September 2025:
Current Nominations (34 Cars) – S8 Darryl Sloan, S14 Joshua Rusby, S15 Ryan Broome, S17 Brad Kirtland, S18 Kaitlin Vickers, S19 Michael Spoljaric, S24 Ross Miller, S25 Hayden Jericho, S26 Rylan Furler, S29 Hayden Mason, S32 Diesel Fallon, S33 Lachlan Evans, S34 Ryan Watts, S38 James Rodda, S40 Joshua Mason, VX41 Aaron Kennett, S47 Joel Chadwick, S48 Patrick Monaghan, S49 Darryl Knuckey, S50 Jordon Bolitho, S57 Mason Merritt, S56 Tate Cowie, S57 Robert Heard, S66 Sam Martin, S74 Byron Wright, S76 Casey Atkinson, S82 Caleb Evans, S83 Craig Bampton, S84 Jesse Alexander, S85 Scott Vivian, S92 Thomas Walkom, S96 Sharni Pitcher, S97 Leanne Turner, S99 Michael Busby.
Release by Phil Michell Motorsport Media for Wingless Sprints of SA.