GRACE HUDSON TAKES 2026 AFTN WOMEN TITLE

Queenslander Grace Hudson has locked in the 2026 Aussie Flat Track Nationals Pro Women championship at Griffith’s The Pines Speedway, while local hero Billy Ryan won a Pro 450 round that also featured Tom and Sam Drane.

Grace Hudson’s first full season in the series has ended with a title, and a shock one at that – series organiser Dave Maddock reckons she was “a little in shock” at winning an official Australian Championship. Add Billy Ryan beating a world-class Pro 450 field on his home dirt, with the Drane brothers back from America, and the Griffith round was a cracker. The grand finale double-header is at Gunnedah’s Balcary Park on November 7-8. Here’s the round report from the AFTN…

Griffith’s ‘The Pines Speedway’ has delivered a classic Yamaha Aussie Flat Track Nationals round, where Queenslander Grace Hudson walked away with the Bunda Fine Jewels Pro Women Championship Ring for 2026. Hudson, who was consistent throughout the day, managed one race win to seal the title while Lori Gow won the round.

Hometown hero Billy Ryan prevailed against a formidable Pro 450 field to snare the overall Pro 450 win, sharing wins with Superpole winner and championship leader Cam Dunker. AFT Singles champ Tom Drane also picked up a race win on the flat track layout under lights. The series grand finale double header will be held at Gunnedah Motorcycle Club’s Balcary Park over November 7-8.

ROUND 5 – TT & FLAT TRACK LAYOUTS

Local sensation Billy Ryan has risen to the occasion to hold off a world-class field in the premier Pro 450 class, but it was AFT Singles champion Tom Drane who qualified fastest for the opening three races on the TT circuit. Ryan put his local knowledge to good use in the opener, besting Dunker by 1.4 seconds and then leading flag to flag in the second race to beat home Drane by 1.6 seconds.

Dunker struck back for victory in the third event while further back the younger Drane brother, Sam, kept himself right in mix, fighting alongside other series heavyweights Max Whale, John Lytras and Cooper Archibald. Dunker took out Superpole for the evenings races on the flat track layout and was on the pace in the opening stanza, getting the nod ahead of Ryan and Sam Drane.

The two-part races are a massive physical and mental test for the riders as they roll out for part two – which is another eight lap event – following a rest of only three minutes. Dunker and Ryan battled away before Dunker went down on the final corner of the final lap, remounting to finish in eleventh and handing the win to Ryan. Ryan was denied in the final race of the evening, finishing second to Tom Drane with Dunker third. “It was a rough day, we came close,” Dunker said on the podium. “It was a little bit unfortunate about that crash, but we live to fight another day. Our winning streak was broken here today but a big congratulations must go to Billy and his team.”

Tom Drane, who picked up one win, was happy to be back racing in Australia, saying, “I’d like to say a big thanks to my dad and Darren Herrick who worked on my bike all day and made it the best it could be. It was so good to be back in Australia and have a ride against everyone here and just enjoy it and have some fun.”

The highlight of the day was the crowning of the 2026 Pro Women Champion, which went to Queenslander Grace Hudson. “Thank you all for helping out. It’s been an awesome series in my first year,” Hudson said. “The 19s have been really cool at these events and I’d like to thank Pritchett & Sons Moto Racing and Garage 308/ I wouldn’t be here without them helping me.” Hudson finished second for the round behind Lori Gow, who took out every race except for the final event (which went to Hudson).

Nobody was able to stop the force that is Jed Fyffe in Junior Lites, however Tahj Edwards impressed with a race win on the TT circuit and was also the fastest qualifier. Fyffe took out four of the five races, however a crash in race two in the TT layout left Edwards in front and Fyffe scrambling to remount for third. “It was another solid day today and a lot of fun on the track,” Fyffe recalled. “I had to calm down after the crash, put my head down and try and make back as many positions as I could!”

In Pro Twins, John Lytras was the man to beat, being the fastest qualifier before dominating each race on his Pritchett & Sons Moto Racing Suzuki SV650. On the podium, Lytras revealed he had been battling illness in the lead up to the weekend, saying, “It’s been a good day but I’ve actually been crook all week. Now I’m here racing motorbikes so I can’t complain too much!”

In Junior 85s, Cooper Quinn was never off the podium to clinch the round with two race wins from Flynn Beard (who also scored two wins and was fastest qualifier). Neil Girdler took a clean sweep in the Over 35s All Powers class, winning every race and was also the fastest qualifier. His brother Jeff made it a family affair by taking the runner up spot in each race, a fine achievement considering he had only just started racing again. The 65 Trackers also put on a great show, with Harley Ford winning three of four races to take out the round and lead the overall points.

Pro 450 round winner, Billy Ryan: “Dunker had been to one of our club days a few weeks ago, so I knew he was on the pace. He was quicker than me in some spots, but I knew if I could do what I usually do – get good starts and hold my own – then I’d be right. I was feeling pretty confident, but then I got the news that the Dranes were coming over and that was a bit daunting!

It’s always good to win on your home track, but when you’ve done it against arguably the best in the world – Tom with two American Flat Track titles, his brother Sam, Cam Dunker, Max Whale – he’s riding awesome, and we know how good he performed in America. It was a pretty cool feeling!”

Series Organiser, Dave Maddock: “After another great day of racing at Griffith, I’ve got to start by mentioning how great it was to have Tom Armstrong back in the fold. His son was racing and it was also very emotional to see Tom himself do some demonstration laps. In many ways, it was a celebration and also a way for Tom to acknowledge all his family and friends that have helped him in his recovery so far. We have been using Tom as a sounding board for some ideas and concepts to keep the series progressing, as his knowledge of racing and feedback is incredibly helpful.

I’d like to say a massive congratulations to Grace Hudson. She rode so well today and was actually a little in shock at winning an official Australian title! The racing itself was intense as it always is at Griffith – the track threw up some challenges today and Cam Dunker’s crash was pretty huge in race four. I can’t believe he was able to get up and keep going, but it shows how determined he was to keep scoring points. The Griffith club did a fantastic job, they are all so motivated and willing to help. There were plenty of close battles today and it was great to have Tom and Sam Drane back competing – it gives the others a positive yard stick in comparison to the American scene.”

The Yamaha Aussie Flat Track Nationals is set for a massive double header finale to be held at Gunnedah’s Balcary Park over November 7-8. For full results, head to www.Computime.com.au