The 2026 Winternationals delivered one of the most significant weekends in recent Australian Pro Stock history, with track records, personal bests and a historic 200mph pass highlighting an event that showcased the category at its very best.
Qualifying provided an early indication that the field was ready to perform. Aaron Tremayne immediately emerged as the benchmark with a 6.880-second pass off the trailer, while Tyronne Tremayne, reigning champion Rob Dekert and Omar Sedmak all showed strong form. Sedmak continued to make impressive gains with his new combination, while John Barbagallo returned to competition after more than a year away.
As conditions improved through qualifying, performances continued to fall. Darryl Stephen edged closer to his personal best in Q1 before breaking through with a career-best 7.027-second pass at 194mph, while several teams pushed deeper into the six-second zone in Q2.
The defining moments came in the final qualifying session.
Rob Dekert became the first Australian Pro Stock driver to break the 200mph barrier in the unleaded fuel era, recording a historic 200.05mph pass and cementing his place in the record books.
Moments later, Aaron Tremayne responded with a stunning 6.860-second run, resetting the Willowbank Raceway track record and securing the number one qualifying position heading into race day.
Eliminations delivered just as much drama.
Aaron Tremayne opened his campaign with an even quicker 6.857-second pass, a run that fell just .002 seconds shy of his brothers national record and further underlined the pace of the Tremaniac Racing entries.
On the other side of the ladder, Tyronne Tremayne and Omar Sedmak continued their impressive form, while Tony Polito also enjoyed a breakthrough weekend, recording the first six-second pass of his career with a 6.990-second run in round one against Dekert as his team continued to get on top of a new engine combination. Dekert’s historic weekend came to an early end after an early shut-off in the first round.
The semi-finals saw Aaron Tremayne defeat Tony Polito with a 6.884 to a 7.057, while Tyronne Tremayne advanced past Omar Sedmak, setting up an all-Tremayne final.
Although both competitors encountered issues in the final, Aaron Tremayne was able to drive to a 7.286-second pass to defeat Tyronne’s 7.348 and claim victory at the biggest event of the season.
The 2026 Winternationals will be remembered for more than just the winner’s trophy. Aaron Tremayne reset the Willowbank Raceway track record and came within .002 seconds of the national record. Rob Dekert became the first driver to reach 200mph in the unleaded fuel era. Tony Polito joined the six-second club, while Darryl Stephen continued his progression with a personal best 7.027-second pass.
Most importantly, the event demonstrated the depth and momentum currently building within Australian Pro Stock, with records falling, milestones being achieved and a championship battle that is only just beginning.
