14/06/2026
That's all she wrote for the 2026 Excel Nationals and what a weekend it was.
We came in with our only expectation being to enjoy the experience and we definitely did that and then some!
From learning a completely new track on Friday in practice, then having to learn it all again on Saturday as the rain fell to having an absolute ball on Sunday with a rocket of a car on a dry track!
It was just sensational!
Unfortunately, for us, the final race was a mixed bag. We got a great start from 11th, claiming a couple of positions by turn 3. We then got into a nice rhythm for the next few laps sneaking up to 7th with 5th and 6th a couple of seconds up the road. Luckily the two cars ahead were battling each other a bit so we latched on to the back of them and I planned to just be patient. Well, my patience ran out pretty quickly when I saw an opportunity to pass both cars and I took it. Suddenly, we were running in 5th position and looking very strong...or so we thought.
It wasn't too long before the tyres started to lose a bit of grip and we were understeering quite a bit which squashed the lead we had to the few cars behind and we ended up dropping back down to 8th but still were attached to the pack and in with a chance of claiming a top 10 position. It wasn't to be though.....I made a silly mistake and ran the slightest bit wide on the exit of 12 where there is a huge hole with a very sharp edge, my left rear hit that edge, buckled my rim which deflated the tyre, and I had to nurse her home for a few more laps just hoping the bead would stay on so I could at least finish! Thankfully, I did and crossed the line in 15th.
Overall, we had an absolute amazing time here at The Bend. It is definitely the most fun I've had behind the wheel, this track is just incredible (yes, it's better than Bathurst imo).
Thanks goes to all the Qld teams that were here with us this weekend, it really did feel like we were one big family.
Massive thankyou to Allan and Jaiya for being my pit crew for the weekend, it wouldn't have been as enjoyable as it was without you guys!
Thanks to my sponsors,
Cleveland Upholsterers and Marine Trimmers
Bp Redland Bay
Cleveland Signs
Without you, weekends like this would become increasingly difficult to manage, we appreciate your support so much!!
Well, now it's back to Qld for us as we look forward to Round 4 of our state championship at Queensland Raceway which is also the State of Origin round.
We hope to see you there!
Cheers everyone 😄
