After a very strong start to the 2025/2026 ANDRA Sportsman Series, Neil Mellett is hoping to continue that momentum when he takes on the Sunset Nationals at the Atlantic Oils Sunset Strip this weekend (September 20-21).
At the season-opening Nitro Up North at the Hidden Valley Drag Strip, the Goodyear Racing Super Street competitor was the runner-up.
Then, at round two – the Desert Nationals at Alice Springs Inland Dragway just days later – he struck through for the victory, claiming his first ever ANDRA Christmas Tree trophy.
“I am very happy with the results so far! Both events were new tracks and new competitors for me, and the car made the drive between Darwin and Alice Springs smoothly – it has certainly been a strong start to a season which I was initially planning to take off, until I saw the calendar come out,” Mellett said.
At last year’s Sunset Nationals, Mellett was the runner-up.
“I had forgotten about that! So yes, I guess I want to go one better this year,” smiled the 36-year-old, a Refrigeration Mechanic from Adelaide in South Australia.
“I will also be crew chief on a Junior Dragster and crewing on a Supercharged Outlaw as well, so it will be busy.
“It is such a great track, with greater people! SDRA have done amazing work to the facility, there is always an awesome vibe, and from when I raced in Juniors to now, it has come leaps and bounds and I look forward to their future.”
Taking the victory in Mildura would of course be great news for Mellett, especially as he now has a run at the championship on his mind.
“Of course, I would love to add another Christmas Tree after the win at ASID, and it would put me on the points cap very early in the season.
“Before now – with Darwin and Alice Springs being so close together, I was planning on taking the rest of the season off after feeling some burnout last year, especially as driving the car to and from each track has its drawbacks.
“But, after this solid start, I have got to swing for the fences now right?!”
Mellett was introduced to the sport by his mum, Lyn, who worked at Adelaide International Raceway when he was a child.
“I started in Junior Dragsters in 1997 at the age of eight, following my brothers’ footsteps,” he said.
“After stepping away later, I came back to drag racing two years ago at Street Machine Drag Challenge and have been enjoying it ever since.
“I should thank mum for ruining my financial decisions from such a young age!” he laughs.
“Also, my brother Kerry, for long distance Dial In consulting and stepping in when I need help; my partner Kate, my personal cheerleader; Janelle Mannix, as she always deserves a thank you; and ANDRA for the Sportsman Series and being for the sportsman racers.
“I also want to shout out to the Super Street community for being patient as I run both my car and a Junior Dragster.”
The Sunset Nationals will be held at the Atlantic Oils Sunset Strip on September 20-21, hosting round three of the 2025/2026 ANDRA Sportsman Series for all ANDRA championship brackets. The action this weekend will then be swiftly followed by more racing for the Junior brackets, with the Nitro Golf Centre Junior Nationals being held at the track from September 26-28, with the proceedings on Saturday September 27 also seeing the junior racers scoring points towards their ANDRA championship tallies. For event information, visit www.sunsetstrip.org.au
For more from ANDRA, visit www.andra.com.au
