Counting down to the 2026 Australian Historic Road Racing Championship

FEATURE PHOTO: West Aussie Gary Tenardi on his Ariel at the Collie circuit. Pic by Graeme j Howie, Sport Pixx.

Australia’s historic road racing community is counting down to the 2026 Australian Historic Road Racing Championship, which will be run in Collie, Western Australia, from September 26-28.

Organisers are expecting up to 200 solo and sidecar competitors from across the nation to descend on the circuit, with Period 2 to Period 7 classes covering bikes from the 1920s through to the end of the 1990s.

The event, to be hosted by the Historic Competition Motorcycle Club of Western Australia (HCMCWA) will feature guest appearances from two motorcycle legends — former 500cc Grand Prix, Isle of Man TT & World Endurance star Graeme Crosby and former FIM Motocross World Championship hero Jeff Leisk.

HCMCWA President and Honda NSR 125 pilot Dave Manson will be one of the West Australian racers competing at the event.

CAPTION: HCMCWA President Dave Manson will be one of the many West Aussie riders competing in the national titles.

Dave says he’s looking forward to a good turnout from local and interstate riders.

“West Australians already know that the Collie Motorplex is a great circuit and that the Collie River Valley is a marvellous holiday destination to bring family and friends,” Dave told The Bike Shed Times.

“Riders from the eastern side of the Nullarbor will be able to sample the track and the Valley when they come across. We have arranged secure storage so visitors can leave their bikes behind while they explore the region before or after the national titles, and we can also help organise transport to get race bikes shipped across. The forests and lakes around Collie have been transformed into a mecca for mountain bikes, hikers and paddlers while world-renowned surf beaches are within a comfortable day trip.

“There will be camping at the track, as well as accommodation in the historic town of Collie (13km away) and a shuttle service between town and the track.”

The Collie circuit has benefitted from more than $3 million in upgrades in recent years to the race circuit and facilities. Pits are powered and under cover, and there are showers, lighting and a great canteen to keep things civilised.

The track itself runs 2.55km with 13 corners — ten left-handers and three right.

Take a lap of Collie Motorplex

Click here for a video lap of the circuit courtesy of Ethan Thompson.

The Collie Motorplex is set in the Collie River Valley in Western Australia’s south-west forest country, two hours south of Perth. Click here to learn more about the Collie River Valley.

Entries

Entries are expected to open for the event soon. For updates, keep an eye on the HCMCWA website at https://www.historicracing.asn.au/ and the club’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/262764377208933

Call for sponsors

Organisers welcome sponsors for the event, with packages ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. The event will be live-streamed by Australian motorsport broadcaster and production company, Blend Line TV, adding extra value to sponsorship opportunities.