"VAN" (Sports Desk - 16.04.2026) :: The Junior Dragster bracket is shaping up for an emotionally charged contest at the ANDRA Grand Finals, with a deep field of young racers set to do battle for the 2025/2026 ANDRA Regional Sportsman Series title at Dragway at The Bend on April 18.
Last year’s runner‑up Taylor Horton leads the charge into the finale after becoming the first racer in the bracket to cap out on 300 points. He is determined to go one better in 2026.
“I feel confident going into the Grand Finals and happy that I was capped out on points first,” Horton said.
“I do hope to win the event this year. Being runner‑up last year has really given me the drive to strive hard this year to bring it home. We have travelled all over Australia this year to try and achieve this result, and I hope I can do it.”
Joining him on the cap is Cody Hunt, who is eager to make the most of his opportunity.
“I am excited to race the Grand Final. I’m happy that I’m capped out on points,” Hunt said.
“I’m gonna have a red‑hot crack at it and hope for the best. If I win the championship, I will be very happy – it will be the first time.”
Also entering the finale with strong momentum is Zayne Condello, who claimed the NDRC junior title last year.
“I currently stand on the points cap as well as 30 bonus points, giving me the head start going into the finals,” Condello said.
“It definitely gives me that bit of extra confidence knowing my competitors are having to chase me, while I can simply focus on going rounds and hopefully wrapping up the championship.”
Condello said his confidence has grown throughout the season.
“After making some changes to the car, I would personally say I am at an all‑time high in confidence with my reaction times and the way the car is performing.
“I know I can trust the car and lean on the dial‑ins as much as I need, as well as trusting that my reaction time was good enough to snatch most wins.
“To win the ANDRA title would be very special to me. I just find it so crazy that after a year of chasing this championship that was not meant to happen for us, it is about to end possibly with a beautiful Gold ANDRA Championship Christmas Tree.”
Behind the capped trio, Luca Lamattina (270), Angelina Kondilis (250), James Barlow (250), Bailey Hawke (240), and Lily Horton (210) all remain in with a shot, thanks to 100 points being on the line for a win.
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