Cam Dunker conquered a world-class field to claim his maiden Pro 450 crown as the Aussie Flat Track Nationals went out with a bang at Gunnedah
Cameron Dunker has capped a stellar season by claiming his maiden Pro 450 championship at the Yamaha Aussie Flat Track Nationals finale at Gunnedah’s Balcary Park on 7-8 November.
The 2026 title went down to a spectacular double-header featuring American Flat Track stars Tom and Sam Drane, with championship rival Max Whale also determined to take the fight to Dunker.
Saturday’s sixth round, held on the flat track layout, belonged to Tom Drane, who claimed Superpole honours before battling his younger brother Sam, Whale and Dunker across four fiercely contested races. Sam took the opening race, Tom struck back in the second, Whale won the third and Sam prevailed again in the final encounter.
Tom’s consistency secured the overall ahead of Sam and Whale, while Dunker maintained a commanding championship advantage.
Sunday’s TT finale delivered more fireworks, with Tom Drane again claiming Superpole before winning the opening two races.
Dunker, however, was far from content to cruise to the championship, storming to victory in race three by more than three seconds!
A crash at the hairpin in the final race provided a late scare, but the championship was already within reach. Sam Drane took the chequered flag ahead of Tom, with Whale third.
Tom completed a clean sweep of the weekend’s overall honours, while Dunker secured the Pro 450 championship by 105.5 points over Whale, with Griffith winner Billy Ryan third.
“As weird as this sounds, I could see this title happening from the start of the year,” Dunker said. “To finally add another Australian title to my resume after a few years, I’m super happy!”
Elsewhere, John Lytras completed a remarkable undefeated season aboard his Keeley Pritchett-prepared Suzuki SV650 to claim the Pro Twins championship.
Jed Fyffe was equally impressive in Junior Lites, sweeping all eight races across the weekend to secure his second consecutive title ahead of Tahj Edwards.
Flynn Beard wrapped up the Junior 85 championship despite Cooper Quinn dominating Sunday’s finale, while Neil Girdler completed two perfect rounds to claim the inaugural Over 35s All Powers crown.
Harley Ford secured the inaugural 65 Trackers championship after sweeping Saturday’s races, although Axel Kirkness stole Sunday’s honours. Grace Hudson had already sealed the Pro Women title at Griffith, completing the championship roll of honour.
Series organiser Dave Maddock praised the quality of competition and the emerging junior talent, with the successful introduction of two new classes adding further depth to the championship.
2026 AFTN CHAMPIONS
Pro 450 Cameron Dunker
Pro Twins John Lytras
Pro Women Grace Hudson
Junior Lites Jed Fyffe
Junior 85 Flynn Beard
65 Trackers Harley Ford
Over 35s All Powers Neil Girdler
