• Australia's most diverse motorsport category heads to Wanneroo Raceway for the 2026 Bridgestone Improved Production Nationals. 
• Local front-runners Matt Cherry, Steve Turpin, Trent Houkamau and Rob Landsmeer headline a strong Western Australian contingent.
• Drivers from every Australian state and the Northern Territory will compete on Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS tyres across six heats and a 50 km final.

Western Australia's leading Improved Production competitors will defend home turf against a talented interstate contingent when the 2026 Bridgestone Improved Production Nationals arrive at MotorMall Wanneroo Raceway this weekend.

The 2026 Bridgestone Improved Production Nationals will be the first national title contested on the category's new Bridgestone control tyre, the Potenza RE-71RS, and has drawn racers from all corners of Australia, with every state and the Northern Territory represented on the entry list.

Featuring a diverse field of more than 30 production-based race cars, ranging from V8-powered muscle cars to highly tuned four-cylinder and rotary-powered machines, the Nationals will showcase the variety that defines Improved Production racing. Across the diverse field, the Potenza RE-71RS will provide competitors with strong grip, consistent performance and predictable handling as they battle for the national title.

Competitors will be divided into Under 2 Litre and Over 2 Litre groups for qualifying before tackling six heat races across Saturday and Sunday. The weekend will culminate in a combined 50 km final on Sunday, with national honours on the line.

IPRA WA club president Cameron Burns said the depth of talent across both classes will make this year's Nationals one not to miss.

"The calibre of competitors travelling to Wanneroo from across Australia is exceptionally strong, and there are genuine contenders in both the Over 2 Litre and Under 2 Litre fields," Mr Burns said.

Among the leading contenders is Western Australia's Matt Cherry, who enters the event as one of the category's most accomplished competitors. Driving the Racing Dynamics Holden Monaro CV8, Cherry brings an impressive record that includes multiple national and state titles, as well as dominant victories at Bathurst and Darwin.

Cherry will also have the benefit of extensive experience at Wanneroo Raceway, where he holds the longstanding 1m 0.4662s Improved Production 3001–6000cc lap record.

"Matt Cherry is certainly one of the drivers to watch, particularly given his experience and success at Wanneroo Raceway, but there are several competitors capable of challenging for the national championship," Mr Burns added.

Fellow West Australian Steve Turpin is another significant contender in his Holden VE Commodore. A regular presence at the front of the local field, Turpin adds further V8 competition to what is shaping up to be a tightly contested weekend.

The Nationals will also feature two distinctive rotary-powered Mazda’s. Current WA Improved Production State Championship leader Trent Houkamau will take on the field in his 1979 Mazda RX-7, while Brett Sherriff will line up in his Mazda RX-3, showcasing another side of the category alongside the V8s and high-revving four-cylinder cars.

While the Western Australian contingent will enjoy home-ground advantage, a strong interstate challenge is expected to ensure the battle for national honours is fiercely contested.

South Australia's Adam Poole arrives as the reigning Australian National Champion after claiming the title at Phillip Island in 2025. Driving his 6.0-litre V8 Holden Monaro and carrying the coveted AUS #1 plate, Poole will be looking to defend his national crown.

Fellow South Australian Mark Garnett will also make the journey west, having quickly established himself as a frontrunner after joining the category just over a year ago.

Victoria will be represented by Glenn Kenneday in his BMW E30, with Kurt Macready travelling from New South Wales in his Nissan Silvia. Tasmania’s Leigh Forrest is bringing his Toyota Celica across Bass Strait, while Graeme Wilkinson will make the trip from Queensland in his Ford Escort. Steve Johnstone completes the interstate contingent, representing the Northern Territory in his Holden VP Commodore.

Behind the on-track action is a significant volunteer effort bringing together drivers, crews, officials, partners and supporters from across Australia for one of Improved Production racing's biggest weekends of the year.

The debut of the Potenza RE-71RS at the Improved Production Nationals reflects Bridgestone's broader commitment to motorsport, with the Potenza name represented across competition from Australian grassroots racing through to the global stage.

From the 2026/27 season, Bridgestone will become the sole tyre supplier to the FIA Formula E World Championship, supplying its new Potenza GEN4 tyres for the championship's fastest and most powerful generation of race car.

The 2026 Bridgestone Improved Production Nationals will be held at MotorMall Wanneroo Raceway, Western Australia, on 17–18 October.

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Bridgestone is a global leader in tyres and rubber, and is building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility.  In Australasia, Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand. offers a range of services and solutions to all segments of the Australian market to deliver social value and customer value. Bridgestone’s extensive range of quality tyres is complemented by the provision of mechanical and fleet services through the company’s nationwide retail network of Bridgestone Select, Bridgestone Service Centres and Bridgestone Tyre Centres, mobile service provider Lube Mobile, and the manufacturing and sale of quality retreads through Bandag Pty Limited. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tyres and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.