19/02/2026
🏁 Australian Tarmac Rally Championship
Mt Buller Sprint 2026 – Strong Results for Local Teams
The 2026 Mt Buller Sprint has delivered an exciting return to the mountain, with local competitors producing standout performances in the opening round of the Australian Tarmac Rally Championship.
Blunden Pipped at the Post in Thrilling Finish
Local driver Dave Blunden, behind the wheel of his Lock Doctor Nissan GT-R, was narrowly defeated by just 1.4 seconds after an intense weekend of competition.
After leading across the early stages, Blunden was overtaken on the final run of the event by Greg Bass in the Top Torque Holden Commodore, who claimed victory in the Rear-Wheel Drive category on Sunday’s decisive stage.
The dramatic showdown unfolded over the demanding 15km stage from Mirrimbah to the Mt Buller Clock Tower, with the margin between the two drivers proving incredibly tight.
“Over 15 kilometres to have just 1.4 seconds in it is unbelievable,” said Blunden. “It was a great battle and we really enjoyed the competition.”
Blunden was guided up the mountain by veteran navigator Doug Fernie, who has competed in every Mt Buller Sprint since the event’s inception. Their experience and teamwork were evident throughout the weekend, with Blunden proudly securing a podium finish after a fierce contest.
Local Mick Lillie was also on hand to see his son Dean, driving and Grandson Jay navigating for the first time in the Australian Tarmac Rally at the age of 16. They teamed up in the Ravage Race works Mitsubishi Evo.
Event Returns After 15-Year Hiatus
The 2026 running marked the long-awaited return of the Mt Buller Sprint after a 15-year absence. The event reinstated the original layout, a high-speed, sweeping climb from Mirrimbah to the Clock Tower that remains a favourite among competitors.
The fast-flowing mountain roads ultimately suited the Porsche of Paul Downie, who claimed outright honours for the event.
Strong Local Support Behind the Scenes.
Blunden was not the only local contributor to the event’s success. Event Solutions Safety Team provided medical, fire and rescue services across the three days of competition.
Team Leader and Director Martin Doxey served as Clerk of Course, overseeing safety coordination and event operations. Doxey worked closely with Event Director Britt Wilson and Event Manager Beth Gallagher on course layout, safety checks, risk analysis, event planning, evacuation procedures and emergency response coordination.
He also used a lot of local volunteer officials including Nurse’s from Mansfield District Hospital.
“We have been working on bringing the Mt Buller Sprint back for three years now,” said Doxey. “It has taken tremendous support from local car clubs, the community and Mt Buller stakeholders to get the event up and running again.”
The successful return of the Mt Buller Sprint signals a strong future for tarmac rallying at Mt Buller, with competitors and spectators alike welcoming the event back to the Victorian motorsport calendar.
The next round will be at Falls Creek for the Great Alpine Rally March 28th & 29th
Martin Doxey
Australian Tarmac Rally
Mt Buller
Great Alpine Rally 2026
Event Solutions Safety Team
Australian Autosport Alliance (AASA)
Falls Creek
Lifestyle Rally
Angryman Photography
