Michael Bridges opened his 2024/2025 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship campaign in the best possible way last month with victory at Alice Spring’s Desert Nationals and is now preparing to see if he can do it all over again this weekend at the Sunset Nationals.
September 21/22 at Mildura’s Atlantic Oils Sunset Strip will mark round two of the new ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship season, with Bridges set to do battle for another ANDRA Christmas Tree in the Goodyear Racing Super Street bracket.
Bridges is no stranger to victory, not only with his recent exploits, but with numerous wins taken in Mildura and other tracks across the years.
“The 2024 Desert Nationals was our ninth in a row – for us it is all about the atmosphere and the people you meet while doing something you love, and having the ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship and ANDRA Christmas Trees up for grabs really tops it off,” Bridges said.
“In Alice Springs the track was on-point and everyone involved did a great job. Everything ran smoothly for us, although it was unfortunate for Katrina Read that she was unable to front for the final due to a failed fuel pump – we look forward to a rematch in the future.
“To be able to go back to back with a win at the Sunset Nationals this weekend, it would be really great. But I am just concentrating on one round at a time – sometimes I think it is more to do with luck than confidence, and there are some really tough competitors on the entry list.”
While based in South Australia, Bridges is a regular at the Atlantic Oils Sunset Strip.
“Mildura’s Sunset Strip is one of our favourite tracks. We have been travelling to Mildura to race for more than 15 years – I have taken a few wins there and we always have a great time,” Bridges said.
“I am really looking forward to getting on the track again.”
When it comes to his ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship hopes, Bridges is hesitant to make any big predictions at this early stage.
“We plan to do as many rounds as we can, as we always have a great time with our drag racing family,” Bridges said.
“As far as the championship, I try not to think about it too much, but doing well in the first round plus taking the travel bonus always puts you in a good position early.
“We are really glad to see the series underway and would like to thank ANDRA for listening to the racers.
“We are just really appreciative of having the opportunity to compete and are certainly looking forward to the rest of the season and doing the best we can.
“In the meantime, I would like to say a big thanks to my crew – my partner Kerri, and my daughter Tayla. I also want to say thanks to our drag racing family and travelling crew for all the laughs and support along the way.”
For event information regarding round two of the ANDRA Regional Sportsman Championship, the Sunset Nationals at the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association’s Sunset Strip in Mildura, Victoria, visit www.sunsetstrip.org.au
