Bairnsdale speedway driver Trent Wilson is set to return to the track on February 28, after spending time away focusing on his own race car and helping other drivers develop their vehicles. He will compete in the popular Division Two Hot Rods category.
With 17 years of racing experience, Wilson has been active behind the scenes this season, developing his own fabrication and suspension business and working on race cars for other competitors.
Wilson has invested in his own car and sees a bright future for local speedway racing.
“We should have 15-plus local cars next season. The Bairnsdale club holds the Victorian title for Division Two Hot Rods, and we’re making sure everyone is prepared, experienced, and ready to go,” he said.
Trent Wilson Racing currently includes fellow Division Two Hot Rod racer Chris Greaves, with a third car under construction for a yet-to-be-determined driver. Another team member next season will be Wilson’s 10-year-old son, Xavier, who is set to begin his speedway career in a junior sedan being prepared for a December debut.
To return to the track, Wilson purchased the current Victorian title-winning XF Falcon race car from Latrobe Valley racer Leigh Mitchell. Originally built for the Standard Saloon category by Jason Bruce, the car was converted for Division Two Hot Rods two seasons ago and has been meticulously maintained. Wilson affectionately calls it “Meersy’s car”, in tribute to the late Wayne Meer, a close friend and mentor who introduced Wilson to the class and inspired his career.
Wilson has a strong record in the Division Two Hot Rods class, finishing second in Victoria in recent seasons and club champion at Bairnsdale Speedway last year. He also holds the 12-lap Division Two Hot Rod track record at Bairnsdale.
Encouraging new competitors, Wilson said, “People in the class help each other out during race nights, and we try to keep as many cars on the track as possible. We want the class to grow to 40 regular cars across the region and even expand beyond Gippsland if other tracks are interested.”
Division Two Hot Rods have a long history in Gippsland, with strong participation in Nyora and Drouin in past years. With the commitment of Bairnsdale and Rosedale members, the class is set for a resurgence, bringing fast-paced, competitive racing back to local speedway tracks.
