Drivers set to flock to The Bend for Hi-Tec Oils Super Series opener
The Hi-Tec Oils Super Series returns with a bang next week at the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in South Australia with six highly entertaining categories on show.
The Australian Auto-Sport Alliance sanctioned Hi-Tec Oils Super Series will return to The Bend from March 13-15, the first time that the series had visited the state-of-the-art venue since 2024.
However, 2026 will be the first time that the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series will utilise the shorter 3.41km, 12-turn, West Circuit. The West Circuit is known for producing exciting action as nearly every corner is a potential overtaking opportunity.
With a week still until the commencement of the event, entry numbers are continuing to come in fast, setting up what will be a blockbuster season opener.
The Hi-Tec Oils Super Series is once again headlined by the TA2 Muscle Car Series. The grid for the season opener in the V8 powered muscle car series is very strong.
Notable drivers include Alice Buckley who won races in the select rounds she competed in last year. She will be joined by 2025 series front runner Ben Gomersall.
Joel Heinrich starred at Mallala last year, expect him to be at the front along with Brock Paine who scored his maiden win at the final round of the season at Winton.
Other notable names include the Thomas brothers Diesel and Josh, speedway star Robbie Farr, Aussie Racing Car driver Kody Garland and youngsters Tyler Cheney and Kiara Zabatakis.
Now the official national series for Formula Ford, the Yokohama Tyres AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship has grown in the off-season.
Seventeen or more cars are anticipated to enter the opening round, and while the top drivers from 2025 have moved on, the quality in the open-wheel series remains stacked.
Returning names include Jamie Rowe, Brad James, Tabitha Ambrose, Isaac Demellweek, Giuseppe Imbrogno and Hunter Salvatore.
The bulk of the field are made up of new names, notable additions include Toyota GR Cup winner Oliver Wickham, state level Formula Ford racer Seth Burchartz and Excel front-runner Rio Campbell.
All the usual protagonists are back for the first round of TFH Hire Legend Cars Australia, already over 30 of the pocket rocket machines have entered and this will continue to grow over the next week.
The Legend cars are perfectly suited to the wide-open and fast flowing Bend circuit.
The Hankook Australian Drivers’ Championship gets stronger with every round, 2026 will kick into gear as the series left off.
Regular names return including reigning champion Damon Sterling, however he will be challenged by names such as Harry Strik who shone on debut late last season. Other challengers include Lucas Stasi and Zachary Catlin.
One-make Mazda RX8 series, Formula RX8 returns to the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series and boasts a very respectable grid. Reigning champion Matthew Boylett will have stiff opposition this year.
The final category is made up of Aussie built Innovation Race Cars and Sports Cars. IRC will share the grid with Porsche Cup cars, McLarens and much more.
Racing at The Bend takes place on all three days, the full event schedule can be found here. Entry for spectators from Friday-Sunday is free.
For competitors still wanting to enter, it is not to late, enter by clicking here.
The event will be livestreamed as well as broadcast on TV, the full details will be revealed shortly.