07/10/2026
New Era Begins as Canning Vale Toyota Late Model Series Roars to Life
A new chapter in Western Australian Late Model racing begins this Saturday afternoon when the Canning Vale Toyota Late Model Series fires into life at Ellenbrook Speedway.
While the name may have changed, the prestige certainly hasn't, with the newly rebranded championship continuing the rich history of the Pro Dirt Series as drivers chase one of the state's most coveted Late Model crowns. Fittingly, the opening round will once again honour one of WA speedway's great contributors with the running of the annual Ray Tulk Memorial.
A quality field of nominations has been received, led by defending series champion Joe Chalmers, who begins his title defence looking to immediately stamp his authority on the new era of the championship.
Chalmers had the opportunity to get valuable laps under his belt at Ellenbrook Speedway just two weeks ago and that recent track time could prove invaluable as he looks to open his campaign with what would be his first Ray Tulk Memorial victory.
Adding another exciting storyline is the arrival of brother Nathan Chalmers, who will make his debut in the championship. While new to the series, Nathan is certainly no stranger to racing and brings a wealth of experience that could see him become an immediate contender.
No discussion of the Ray Tulk Memorial would be complete without mentioning Warren Oldfield. A seven-time winner of both the Ray Tulk Memorial and the overall series championship, Oldfield remains one of the benchmarks of WA Late Model racing and will be determined to start another title assault in the best possible fashion.
Another driver with an enviable record in the event is Brad Blake. A four-time Ray Tulk Memorial winner, Blake knows exactly what it takes to succeed on one of the biggest nights of the season and will be among the favourites once again.
After spending plenty of time circulating Ellenbrook Speedway during the off-season, Beau Oldfield will be hoping that preparation pays dividends as he embarks on his first full campaign aboard the CTM Recruitment-backed machine.
Plenty of familiar faces also return, with Rod Musarra climbing back aboard his iconic #12 machine, perennial championship competitors Michael Holmes and Jay Cardy both eager to turn consistency into strong performances throughout the season and Luke Halliday looking to claim his first ever series feature win.
Rookie Jack Barnewall shapes as one of the most exciting prospects in the field. Having already collected victories in the Late Model Development Series, Barnewall has adapted to the division with remarkable speed and looks capable of challenging the established stars from the outset.
He will be joined by fellow Winter Series drivers including Matt Sangston, Chris Barrow and Bryn Haythornthwaite, all now ready to test themselves against the big guns.
Add in Abbey Pickering, who claimed her first ever series feature win last season, Veronica McCann freshly back in Australia after spending some time in America and the well-travelled group of Mat Robbins, Damian Hudson and David Boyes amongst others and we have a great field all nominated and ready to launch their own championship campaigns.
One major question mark remains over defending Ray Tulk Memorial winner Jamie Oldfield. While not officially included on the nomination list at this stage, Oldfield is working tirelessly to have his car completed in time and is hopeful of joining the field to defend the prestigious event he claimed last season.
With a fresh identity, a talented field and one of the biggest races on the WA calendar kicking off the season, fans can expect an outstanding evening of Late Model action as the Canning Vale Toyota Late Model Series officially begins its first campaign.
The 2026/27 Canning Vale Toyota Late Model Series is proudly supported by Canning Vale Toyota, ABN Trade Mates, McPhee Freight, Scardifield Smash Repairs, Velocita by Racin’, Michael Holmes Racing, Global Testing Services, Ross's Auctioneers & Valuers, SupaFit Seat Covers, Westlec Auto Electrics, My Race Pass, Wilson Brewing Company, The Event Mill and Dirt Track Nutters.
Release by DTN Media.
