Steve Nusbajtel might still be getting used to a new left-hand drive car with a lot more power than anything he has driven before, but it hasn’t stopped the Super Sedan racer from topping qualifying at his last two outings.
The second-season racer will contest round three of the 2026/2027 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Series at the Davison Ford Sunset Strip’s Mildura City Council Sunset Nationals this weekend (September 19-20), in a car he has switched to while waiting on a new engine combination.
“The new car takes off a lot quicker, so everything happens faster on the tree,” says the Super Sedan racer.
“That is the part I am still learning. When the car leaves that hard, your reaction time is a completely different thing to get your head around.”
The switch has not slowed the 2026 Dragway at the Bend Track Champion down, however. He topped qualifying at Mildura’s Riverland Nationals in May, and then backed it up with the New Gen Business Park Top Qualifier honours at the 2026/2027 ANDRA series-opening Alice Springs Toyota Desert Nationals at Alice Springs Inland Dragway in August.
For all the qualifying pace, there is one piece of hardware Nusbajtel has never taken home.
“I have never won a Christmas Tree. That is what I am chasing this year,” Nusbajtel said.
“If I can do it, that would be a massive achievement for the hours and the money I have put into this sport.
“I reckon when I finally win that tree I might retire and try something new – but to be honest, that will never happen, because I love drag racing too much.”
Backing up his Dragway at the Bend Track Championship title sits alongside the Christmas Tree on his list for the season.
“This is only my second season, so I am just a rookie taking it all in,” he said.
“I spend a lot of time listening to the other competitors and trying to get hints on how to cut a good light. Every race I am a nervous wreck – I will change my dial in three or four times before I go up there!” he laughed.
The love of the sport goes back a long way for Nusbajtel, who grew up watching at Adelaide International Raceway.
These days the appeal is as much about the people as the performance.
“It is the friendly atmosphere, and the bond it makes with my sons. That is what keeps me coming back,” Nusbajtel said.
“I don’t actually like going fast! I just like the burnout and the hit on the start line,” he laughed.
Returning to Mildura is no hardship either, at a track he rates among the best in country Australia.
“It is one of my most favourite drag strips,” he said.
“What an exciting time to be going back to Mildura!”
Round three of the 2026/2027 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Series, the Mildura City Council Sunset Nationals, will be held at the Davison Ford Sunset Strip on September 19-20, with a Test n Tune to be held on Friday September 18. For event information, visit www.sunsetstrip.org.au
For more from ANDRA, visit www.andra.com.au
