The Motorsport Australia NAPA National Khanacross Championship will head to the Newcastle region this weekend, with competitors set to battle for national honours across two days of action on both sealed and unsealed surfaces.

Organised by Westlakes Automobile Club and MG Car Club Newcastle, the Championship will take place on Saturday 17 October and Sunday 18 October, with Ringwood Park Motorsport Complex near Balickera and Awabawac Park at Awaba providing two contrasting challenges for competitors.

MG Car Club Newcastle Auto Test Coordinator Kenneth Atkins said both clubs were looking forward to bring in competitors and supporters from across the country.

“Westlakes Automobile Club and MG Car Club Newcastle are proud to welcome competitors, officials and supporters from across Australia to the Hunter region for the 2026 Motorsport Australia NAPA National Khanacross Championship,” Atkins said.

“A tremendous amount of work has gone into bringing this championship together, and it’s been fantastic to see both clubs working towards a shared goal: delivering a great weekend of competition and showcasing grassroots motorsport in our region.

“Khanacross brings together junior drivers, experienced competitors and families who share a love of motorsport. A national championship is an opportunity to challenge yourself against some of the country’s best while enjoying the friendships and camaraderie that make this sport special.”

The venue for each day will be confirmed based on preceding and forecast weather conditions, with organisers retaining the option to run both days at the same location – led by Clerk of the Course, David Atkins.

Ringwood Park Motorsport Complex features a sealed hot-mix track alongside a separate unsealed dirt circuit, while Awabawac Park offers an entirely unsealed motorsport facility. Multiple tracks may operate simultaneously at each venue, with courses potentially run in both forward and reverse directions.

The combination of surfaces and course configurations will test drivers’ precision, consistency and ability to adapt throughout the weekend, with a minimum of six tests scheduled across the Championship.

“With two days of competition across Ringwood Park Motor Sport Complex and Awabawac Park, the mix of sealed and unsealed surfaces will provide a rewarding test of driving skill and adaptability,” Atkins added.

“Our officials and volunteers are at the heart of this event. From preparing the venues to keeping competition running safely and smoothly, their contribution makes the championship possible. We’re grateful to NAPA, Shannons, Rally School Australia, and all our supporters for backing the event and the people behind it.

“We’re excited to share what our clubs and venues have to offer and give everyone a championship weekend to remember.”

Last year’s Championship in Bendigo delivered a close battle at the front, with Victorian competitor Barry Nowell securing his third National Khanacross Championship title after finishing ahead of Brad Hall and Lyndon Kettle.

Driving his Baztec 23, Nowell recorded a winning total of 13:30.18, finishing approximately six seconds ahead of Hall’s Subaru WRX. Kettle completed the outright podium in another Subaru WRX, while Henry Moorhead claimed the Junior honours in his Hayabusa Buggy and Joanne Woolley won the Ladies category.

Nowell’s 2025 victory followed his previous Championship wins in 2022 and 2024, further cementing his standing among the country’s leading khanacross competitors and is listed among the entrants for this year’s event seeking to defend his crown.

Among the entrants also includes 2019 and 2022 Motorsport Australia National Motorkhana Champion Aaron Wuillemin, and 2023 Motorsport Australia National Motorkhana Champion brother Daniel, who both join nine strong candidates for what will be a hotly contested 4K Class F – 2WD Specials class and by extension the group that will like determine who claims the National Championship.

The 2026 Championship is open to members of Motorsport Australia-affiliated car clubs, with drivers aged 12 and over eligible to compete, subject to the relevant licence requirements.

Spectators are also welcome to attend over the two days. Tickets are free with dedicated parking areas and food available for visitors at each of the two venues.

Trophies will be awarded to the top six outright finishers and the top three competitors in each eligible class, with additional awards for the highest-placed Junior and Lady competitors.

Championship entrants must compete in the same vehicle across both days, subject to the applicable replacement vehicle regulations.

Saturday’s competition will begin at 9am following morning documentation, scrutineering and driver briefings, with the same schedule applying on Sunday.

Both days are scheduled to conclude at 4pm, with the trophy and awards presentation planned for 5pm on Sunday.

The full event schedule, entry list and Supplementary Regulations are available on the Motorsport Australia website.