News

Red Bull Hour Dash Set to Ignite the Festival of Pedal Prix

The Red Bull Hour Dash is ready to bring a fresh burst of energy, intensity and race-within-a-race excitement to the Adelaide Festival of Pedal Prix, with teams set to chase hourly honours at Victoria Park, Adelaide on Saturday 20 June 2026.

Run as part of the Saturday race at the 2026 Adelaide Festival of Pedal Prix, the Red Bull Hour Dash will reward the fastest and most relentless performers across each hour of racing, adding another thrilling layer to an already action-packed day of human-powered competition.

Teams will battle to complete the most laps in a given hour, with each lap counted by crossings of the track timing loop. If two or more vehicles finish an hour on the same lap count, the winner will be decided by the fastest average lap speed for that hour, measured to the thousandth of a second. If teams still cannot be separated, the hourly win will be shared equally.

That format means every lap matters. Every push out of the pits, every smooth rider change and every burst of speed could prove decisive as teams fight to own the hour and etch their name into the event story.

There is more than pride on the line. An award will be presented to the winner of each eligible hour of the race, with the prize including reimbursement of paid entry fees for that race plus an Hourly Winner’s Board. Presentations will take place on stage as soon as possible after each hour is completed.

To keep the contest wide open, any one team, determined by vehicle number, can win the Red Bull Hour Dash award only once during the race. If a team tops the lap count for a second or more time, the next best performing team which has not won will take that hour’s prize. That opens the door for multiple standout performances and gives more teams the chance to shine across the day.

Hourly Dash Windows

The Red Bull Hour Dash will be contested during the following Saturday 20 June race periods:

  1. Race start to 10:30am
  2. 10:30am – 11:30am
  3. 11:30am – 12:30pm
  4. 12:30pm – 1:30pm
  5. 1:30pm – 2:30pm
  6. 2:30pm – 3:30pm

There will be no Red Bull Hour Dash competition in the final hour of racing, ensuring the spotlight stays firmly on the overall race winner.

Blackfriars Launch Official Licensed Pedal Prix Racing Teamwear

Image used with permission from Blackfriars Priory School/Tania Pile

Blackfriars Priory School is leading the charge as the first team to wear the new Official Licensed Pedal Prix Racing Teamwear, setting a new standard for how teams present themselves on and off the track. Designed to combine performance, comfort and standout style, this premium range gives riders, schools and supporters the opportunity to wear the spirit of Pedal Prix Racing with confidence and pride.

Created in partnership with Belgravia New Balance, the collection delivers a complete apparel solution for teams that want to look professional and feel race ready. With casual wear, winter jackets and premium custom cycling jerseys, every piece has been developed to offer quality, durability and a unified team image. It is more than merchandise, it is an opportunity for teams to build their identity, strengthen supporter connection and elevate their presence at every event.

The range will be showcased at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park during The Bend 6 Hour, where visitors can view sample swatches, experience the quality firsthand and see what makes this collection a standout choice for Pedal Prix Racing teams. With Belgravia Apparel offering custom sportswear solutions and teamwear programs, the launch gives schools and teams the perfect moment to explore how official licensed apparel can bring their brand to life and support future growth.

Now is the time for schools, teams and supporters to step into a new era of Pedal Prix Racing apparel. Whether you want to outfit your riders, create a stronger team identity or offer supporters high-quality official merchandise, Official Licensed Pedal Prix Racing Teamwear is built to deliver. Explore the range, see it up close at The Bend 6 Hour and start the conversation about creating a teamwear solution that puts your team ahead of the pack.

Make sure you check out the Belgravia New Balance display at The Bend 6 Hour this weekend.

Maughan Thiem – Podium Partner

The bold new Maughan Thiem Park Up Podium Signs (PUPS) ready for The Bend 6 Hour

Pedal Prix Racing is proud to announce an expanded partnership with Maughan Thiem, which has increased its support of the sport through the Podium Partner initiative for the remainder of the 2026 Adelaide University Pedal Prix Racing Championship. This next step in a long-standing relationship brings one of South Australia’s most recognised automotive businesses even closer to the heart of race-day presentation and celebration.

As Podium Partner, Maughan Thiem will receive official recognition across Pedal Prix Racing events, including naming rights for the podium as the Maughan Thiem Podium Partner. The partnership also includes strong brand visibility through event signage, website recognition, public-address announcements, social media inclusion, and on-site promotional opportunities at nominated race weekends throughout the season.

Sean Connors, Business Development Manager at Maughan Thiem, said, “We have been impressed by the commitment of teams and the organisation. This sport is really something to behold and we see expanding our support as the logical next step.”

A key feature of the partnership will be the rollout of the new podium signage artwork, with Maughan Thiem branding incorporated into the three podium park up signs (PUPS) used during post-race presentations. The signage concept reflects the bold, professional look of the Podium Partner package and will create a standout visual backdrop for podium finishers, official photographs, and race-day celebrations.

The partnership will feature across race weekends in 2026, beginning at Shell V Power Motorsport Park and continuing through the remainder of the season. In addition to the podium presence, Maughan Thiem will support Pedal Prix Racing through the provision of event vehicles, helping ensure a strong and professional presence on and off the track.

Pedal Prix Racing CEO Marcus Lacey welcomed the expanded support, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Maughan Thiem as Podium Partner and look forward to showcasing this partnership throughout the championship season. Together, we are creating a stronger event experience for competitors, supporters and sponsors, while celebrating the people and organisations that help Pedal Prix Racing continue to grow.”

 

The bend – Lots On Offer

A wet start in 2025 at The Bend. The forecast looks better this year. Pic Hayden Archibald

Round 2 of the Adelaide University Pedal Prix Racing Championship heads to Shell V-Power Motorsport Park this Saturday, 23 May, with The Bend 6 Hour set to deliver another major test for the nation’s best human powered vehicle teams. Racing will run from 9:30am to 3:30pm on the venue’s 2.8km West Pedal Prix Circuit, a fast, flowing layout that blends long straights with technical corners and has quickly built a reputation as one of the most exciting and safest tracks on the calendar. With scrutineering scheduled for Friday and teams arriving from across South Australia, Victoria and beyond, the stage is set for a high-speed second chapter to the 2026 season.

The form guide from Mount Gambier in March gives this weekend’s C7 contest enormous intrigue. Wattle Racing’s Gunyah opened the year in brilliant fashion, winning the eight-hour season opener with 165 laps and edging GTrikes MkII Carbon Matrix Pro by just 1:24.757 after more than eight hours of racing. ELEMNT Racing’s ION was third with 157 laps, while Adelaide University’s EVO finished ninth in C7 on 142 laps and will be aiming to climb the order on a circuit that rewards efficiency, clean rider changes and outright pace. C7 is traditionally the benchmark community division, and at The Bend that usually means relentless pressure from the green flag to the chequered. The shorter six-hour format adds another layer: there is less time to recover from a slow stop, a mistimed strategy call or a mechanical issue, so every lap and every transition matters.

Wattle Racing’s Gunyah takes the chequered flag at Mount Gambier. Pic Hayden Archibald

The S3 battle also shapes as a highlight after a strong opening round at McNamara Park. Pembroke School’s Phoenix claimed the category win there with 145 laps and showed impressive speed with a best lap of 2:48.712, making them the obvious early pacesetters heading into Tailem Bend. Norwood International High School’s Team XP8 took second on 137 laps, while Bendigo Senior Secondary College’s Dry Weet Bix completed the Mount Gambier podium with 134 laps. Blackfriars Priory School’s GHound 1 and Hills Christian Community School’s Sir Hubert were close behind, underlining how competitive S3 could become as more teams settle into the season. On a track as wide and smooth as Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, rider confidence through the faster sections can make a significant difference, and that should produce an aggressive, entertaining contest among the leading school teams.

Phoenix, top school team at Mount Gambier

Beyond the racing, The Bend offers one of the most complete event experiences in the championship. Spectators can follow the action from the pit straight precinct and viewing areas above the pits, while teams and supporters make use of the circuit’s accommodation, dining and camping options across the weekend. It is a venue that adds a sense of scale to every race, and that suits a round which may already prove pivotal in the early championship picture. If Mount Gambier was the season’s opening statement, Tailem Bend now becomes the first real pressure point. Can Wattle Racing keep control of C7? Can Pembroke School back up its S3 breakthrough? By Saturday afternoon, the answers should tell us plenty about who is building a genuine title campaign in 2026.

Lap record Unpacked

The Lap Record holding machine at the West Pedal Prix Circuit, The Bend. Platt Racing’s PR22 Pic @turn8photo

The Copyworld Fastest Lap is one of the standout stats from every round—one perfect lap that captures outright pace, smooth teamwork and a trike that’s working beautifully. With three Adelaide University Pedal Prix Racing Championship seasons now completed on the West Pedal Prix Circuit, the table below shows how the fastest lap has evolved since the circuit debuted in 2023.

At a glance: West Pedal Prix Circuit – Copyworld Fastest Lap Outright

  • 2023 (Round 2, The Bend 6 Hour): Platt Racing (Vehicle 30, PR22) – 2:51.1 (59.561kmh)
  • 2024 (Round 2, The Bend 6 Hour): Wattle Racing (Vehicle 1, Gunyah) – 2:51.8 (59.315kmh)
  • 2025 (Round 2, The Bend 6 Hour): Unhinged (Vehicle 75, Unhinged) – 3:01.3 (55.602kmh)

 

2023: Platt Racing sets the lap record in the circuit’s first championship year. In Round 2 of the 2023 The Bend 6 Hour, Platt Racing (Vehicle 30, PR22, Steele von Hoff ) stopped the clock at 2:51.1—a Copyworld Fastest Lap completed at an average of 59.561. The time not only earned the event’s fastest lap honours, it established the lap record from day one on the West Pedal Prix Circuit.

 

Pic @turn8photo

2024: Wattle Racing closes the gap. The following season, Wattle Racing (Vehicle 1, Gunyah, Reece Harris) claimed the Copyworld Fastest Lap in Round 2 with a 2:51.8 (just 0.7secs off the 2023 best) and an average speed of 59.315. It was a clear signal that the field had adapted to the circuit’s rhythm—but even with an outright win in 2024, the lap record remained in Platt Racing’s hands.

2025: New names, same target time. In 2025 Round 2, Unhinged (Vehicle 75, Unhinged, Aidan Lampe, wet track) recorded a Copyworld Fastest Lap of 3:01.3 at 55.602 average speed. While conditions and race context vary year to year, the three-season snapshot reinforces just how strong the 2023 benchmark was: the lap record set in the circuit’s debut championship season continues to define what a ‘perfect lap’ looks like at the West Pedal Prix Circuit.

For now, the headline number remains Platt Racing’s 2:51.1 from 2023—the lap record set in the very first championship season on this circuit. With another season ahead, there’s no doubt teams will be hunting clean traffic, the right moment, and a little bit of magic to bring that time down.

So the question heading into 2026 is simple: can anyone finally beat the mark when the Championship returns to Shell V-Power Motorsport Park for Round 2 on 23 May?

The stopwatch will be waiting—and so will Platt Racing’s 2023 record lap.

The bend – a Monumental Experience

Racing returns to Shell V-Power Motorsport Park for Round 2 of the Adelaide University Pedal Prix Racing Championship on Saturday 23 May.

Affectionately known as The Bend, 2026 will be the sixth year the sport has graced the stunning regional venue – a place where ambition, engineering brilliance, and pure racing passion converge in spectacular fashion.

Set against the sweeping landscapes of regional South Australia, this facility is nothing short of monumental. From the moment you arrive, there’s a palpable sense that you’ve stepped into something world-class—a destination purpose-built to rival the finest circuits on the planet. Awarded International Motorsport Facility of the Year, it stands as a bold statement of Australia’s place on the global racing stage.

At its heart lies one of the most extraordinary racing ribbons of tarmac ever constructed in the Southern Hemisphere. From the full GT layout stretching an astonishing 7.77 kilometres—making it the second-longest permanent racing circuit in the world— to the perfect for Pedal Prix Racing 2.80km West Pedal Prix Circuit, it’s a venue that captivates competitors.

What truly elevates the park, however, is its sheer versatility. Unlike traditional circuits, this is a sporting ecosystem—one where virtually every discipline exists within a single, cohesive complex. Circuit racing, drag racing, drifting, karting, rallycross, driver training, and off-road adventures all coexist seamlessly, making it one of the most comprehensive facilities anywhere in the world. It’s not just a venue—it’s a playground.

The infrastructure matches the ambition. The striking pit complex and welcome centre form a polished, modern hub, while the on-site Rydges Pit Lane Hotel offers the rare thrill of waking up trackside, immersed in the sights and sounds of racing. Dining venues overlook pit lane, giving spectators a front-row seat to the drama, while accommodation options—from luxury rooms to camping—ensure accessibility for every kind of visitor.

And then there’s the atmosphere. Whether it’s a round of the Adelaide University Pedal Prix racing Championship, a grassroots race meeting, or a corporate driving experience, the park hums with energy. It’s a place where professionals and enthusiasts alike share the same tarmac, united by a love of speed and precision. The ability to host everything from international competitions to casual track days speaks to its rare balance of elite capability and broad appeal.

Perhaps most impressively, the circuit meets the latest FIA Grade 2 and FIM Category A standards—placing it in an elite global category and underscoring its readiness for top-tier competition.

In every sense, Shell V-Power Motorsport Park is a triumph of vision and execution: vast yet refined, technically demanding yet deeply enjoyable, and unmistakably world-class. It celebrates, elevates it, and invites everyone to be part of it.

Enjoy The Bend. It’s just one month away.

 

Adelaide University Secures Championship Naming Rights

 

 

Adelaide, South Australia – Pedal Prix Racing is proud to announce a landmark three-year naming rights partnership with Adelaide University, with the establishment of the Adelaide University Pedal Prix Racing Championship.

This partnership marks a significant new chapter for the paramount human-powered vehicle series in Australia, previously known as Australian Human Powered Vehicle Super Series, by building on a rich legacy of collaboration between Pedal Prix Racing and South Australia’s principal tertiary education sector.

The Adelaide University Pedal Prix Racing Championship will carry the University’s name, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, education, and community engagement.
This evolution follows a highly successful partnership with the University of South Australia, which has supported the series since 2012, driving growth, technical excellence, and safety improvements.

The official transition to Adelaide University as naming rights sponsor coincides with the new university’s launch in 2026, combining the strengths of the University of Adelaide and UniSA to create a future-focused institution.

Additionally, the six-round series of events becomes the Championship, a fitting monicker for what has become the biggest human-powered vehicle competition in Australia, and arguably the world.

About Pedal Prix Racing
Pedal Prix Racing is Australia’s premier human powered vehicle championship, attracting over 300 teams from schools, universities, and communities nationwide. The series features six endurance races across South Australia and Western Australia, culminating in the iconic 24-hour event at Murray Bridge. Teams tune and race advanced pedal-powered vehicles, showcasing engineering ingenuity, teamwork, and sustainable transport solutions. The event fosters technical skills, healthy lifestyles, and a vibrant sense of community among participants and supporters.

About Adelaide University
Adelaide University, launched in January 2026, is South Australia’s largest and most ambitious university, formed through the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. As a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight, Adelaide University is committed to world-class research, transformative education, and powerful industry partnerships. With seven campuses and a diverse student body, the university is dedicated to shaping future leaders and driving innovation for a better tomorrow.

 

 

Quotes
Marcus Lacey, Pedal Prix Racing CEO said: “We are delighted to welcome Adelaide University as our new naming rights sponsor. This partnership represents an exciting evolution for Pedal Prix Racing, strengthening our ties with South Australia’s leading educational institution. Together, we will continue to inspire the next generation of engineers, innovators, and community leaders through the thrill and challenge of human powered vehicle racing. On behalf of our entire organsiation, I would like to thank Adelaide University.”

Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice Chancellor, International and External Engagement, said: “Adelaide University is proud to support the Pedal Prix Racing Championship as title partner. This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering innovation, teamwork, and healthy communities. Pedal Prix Racing embodies the values we champion –creativity, resilience, and collaboration – and we look forward to empowering students and participants to achieve their best, both on and off the track.”

The six events of the 2026 Adelaide University Pedal Prix Racing Championship are:

28 March 1 Mount Gambier (SA)
23 May 2 Tailem Bend (SA)
19-21 June 3 Adelaide (SA)
1 August 4 Tailem Bend (SA)
22 August 5 Busselton (WA)
18-20 September 6 Murray Bridge (SA)

For further information, please contact: Marcus Lacey, CEO, Pedal Prix Racing, 1 Military Road, West Beach, SA 5024 Email: ceo@ahpvss.com

2026 Pedal Prix Racing Registration

The Grid, 2025 Mac Park, Mount Gambier

The 2026 Pedal Prix Racing season is set to open on Saturday 28 March with the running of the Mount Gambier 6 Hour at McNamara Park.

Online Registration for this event and all others in the series will this year open on Friday 20 February.

The majority of entries for all events are usually received on the day registration opens, so this is an important date for the calendar.

Registration on the 20th of February provides five weeks for both teams and the organisation to prepare for Round 1 at Mount Gambier on 28 March.

Invoices for teams will be sent out late February.

2026 Calendar of Events

Pedal Prix Racing is pleased to announce the 2026 Calendar of events and Entry Fees.
Following the earlier release of the Mount Gambier date on Saturday 28 March, the following five events have now been confirmed.
The 2026 calendar format remains similar to the successful 2025 Series.

Importantly, event entry fees remain unchanged from 2025.

2026 dates and entry fees are as follows:
28 March, Mount Gambier (SA) 8hr $450 +GST
23 May, Tailem Bend (SA) 6hr $500 +GST
20 June, Adelaide (SA) $500 +GST ($450 +GST S1 and C4)
Note proposed event format is:
  • Friday S1 and C4
  • Saturday C5 – C7
  • Sunday S2 – S3
1 August, Tailem Bend (SA) 8hr $550 +GST
22 August, Busselton (WA) 6hr $350 +GST
19 September, Murray Bridge (SA) 24hr $750+GST
In what is becoming somewhat of a tradition, South Australia’s second largest city will be the first destination for Pedal Prix teams and supporters in 2026. Ideally positioned halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, the location offers excellent accessibility for the thousands of competitors spread across the two southern states and provides the perfect start to the season.
In 2026, Shell V-Power Motorsport Park will host two Rounds of the Series. Considered to be one of the fastest, yet safest tracks on the calendar, the smooth and wide international motor racing facility has a special character and atmosphere all of its own. With magnificent hotel accommodation above the pits, first-class in-house dining, and spectacular viewing areas along the top of the pit straight complex, it is unique in the Series.
Adelaide’s Victoria Park will be back with a big mid-season weekend once again. The three day event provides dedicated races for each of the three category groupings Primary, Community and Secondary.
The beautiful coastline of Western Australia will again provide the stunning backdrop for Pedal Prix Racing at the state’s Event Capital, Busselton. Racing along the Geographe Bay foreshore is a prime location for challenging and technical racing, while sampling one of the best regions to visit in Australia.
Murray Bridge will once again provide the climactic season finale with the magnificent 24hr event spanning the weekend, a hugely exciting challenge for all participants. An event everybody has to do at least once in their Pedal Prix career.

Jet Trucking Takes Up bridge Naming Rights

Pedal Prix Racing CEO Marcus Lacey, left, with Jet Trucking Managing Director Justin Jaensch in front of the Jet Trucking Bridge.

Murray Bridge based transport and logistics company Jet Trucking will take on naming rights for the pedestrian bridge located adjacent the start/finish line at this year’s 24hr Australian International Pedal Prix at Murray Bridge.

This major component of event infrastructure is critical to the safe passage of the thousands of pedestrian crossings made over the course of the three day event at the picturesque Sturt Reserve circuit. It is one of the first structures to go in place and was delivered for on site construction by Jet Trucking the Tuesday before the event.

In addition to the bridge, Jet Trucking freight in light towers, generators, buildings, and ancillary equipment for the event over a three day event build period.

“Pedal Prix Racing is very pleased to have the support of such a substantial local Murray Bridge business, and to be able to come to this arrangement for naming rights of the bridge is fitting recognition. The track crossing is an integral part of the event infrastructure and critical to the safe and smooth movement of the thousands of team members, supporters and families who will attend the event over the three day experience. We are delighted to be able to name it the Jet Trucking Bridge,” stated Pedal Prix Racing CEO Marcus Lacey.

Jet Trucking Managing Director, Justin Jaensch was equally enthusiastic about the relationship. “Over the last couple of years we have worked with Pedal Prix Racing, come to understand their approach to the community, and have seen the positive impact this sport, and the event here in Murray Bridge in particular, has made for thousands of people. We feel this is a good fit for us, to support and give back to the community, and help build this very impressive venue. The team of volunteers and crew that transform Sturt Reserve are a dedicated bunch, and we really enjoy working with them.”

Not only do Jet Trucking support the Pedal Prix Racing event, they also then transport several truck loads of the light towers, voluntarily, from the event to the Murray Bridge Showgrounds site ready for the following weekend’s Murray Bridge Show.