NATE HEADLAND & HARRY HEARNE CROWNED ASRA’S MOST IMPROVED SIDECAR TEAM FOR 2025/26

July 10, 2026

The Australian Speedway Riders Association (ASRA) has officially named the South Australian duo of Nate Headland and Harry Hearne as the Most Improved Sidecar Team for the 2025/26 season.

Determined by a peer-nomination process via State Secretaries and evaluated by a judging committee consisting of Darren Treloar, Phil McCurtayne and Judy McKay, the award recognises the pair’s relentless consistency, technical development, and elite performance trajectory throughout the competitive season.

A Historic 2025/26 Breakout Campaign

Headland (20) and passenger Hearne (22) delivered a masterclass season on the dirt, solidifying their status as a premier rising force in Australian speedway sidecar racing:

2026 South Australian Sidecar Championship: In February 2026, the duo claimed the biggest victory of their senior careers at Gillman Speedway, securing the Ray White Gawler SA Title. In a dramatic, photo-finish rerun, Nate narrowly bested his father, former Australian Champion Trent Headland, by less than a wheel length at the stripe.
2026 FIM Oceania Championship: Continuing their blistering form into April, the pairing clinched a stellar second-place podium finish at the prestigious FIM Oceania Speedway Sidecar Championship at Gillman, finishing just behind the veteran combination of Trent Headland and Jaxon Rayner.
National Podium Contenders: The team further proved their versatility on interstate tracks, securing an elite second-place finish at the 49th Mildura Sidecar Spectacular at Olympic Park, followed by a top-five overall standing at the Australian Speedway Sidecar Championship decider.

Resilience and Deep Heritage Bloodlines

The 2025/26 triumph marks a massive milestone for the pair, who originally joined forces within the under-16 junior speedway ranks back in 2017. Their transition to the senior ranks was met with early adversity, including a severe leg injury that sidelined driver Nate Headland for a full year. Their highly anticipated reunion as a senior pairing has completely reshaped the competitive landscape.

Both competitors carry profound historical bloodlines that run deep into the bedrock of Australian heritage motorsport:

Nate Headland is a third-generation speedway competitor. He follows in the tracks of his father Trent Headland and his iconic grandfathers—5-time Australian Champion Glenn O’Brien and 4-time South Australian Champion Mick Headland.
Harry Hearne continues a proud family legacy of three-wheeled competition as the son of former speedway rider Wayne Hearne.

Nomad Dirt Culture congratulates Nate Headland, Harry Hearne and their entire crew on a thoroughly deserved accolade. The future of Australian sidecar racing is firmly in safe hands.

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