The sands of Discovery Bay Coastal Park bore witness to a historic chapter of off-road racing on Saturday, February 28th, as the 2026 Form A Sign King of the Dunes took to the track. Serving as the high-octane season opener for the Burson Auto Parts Southern States Off-Road Club Challenge, the event proved that the series’ second year is its biggest yet.

The buzz surrounding the race was undeniable from the start; entries sold out in a staggering 24 hours. A record-breaking field of 40 cars lined up on race day, including a historic high of three female drivers, signaling a bright and inclusive future for the sport.

As is tradition at the Dunes, the course was as brutal as it was beautiful. The shifting sands and technical terrain lived up to their reputation as a "car-breaker," keeping recovery crews on their toes throughout the day. By the time the checkered flag waved, the field had been nearly halved, with only 22 of the 40 starters classed as finishers.

The outright victory belonged to the formidable duo of Matt Hanson and Nigel Pendlebury in the #7 machine. This win marks a significant milestone for Hanson, who first claimed the title in 2013. With this latest victory, he becomes the only driver in the event’s history to win more than once, now standing tall with three wins to his name.

Following closely in second place was previous winner Daryl Nissen and Andrew Harness in car #164, proving their enduring speed and expertise in the dunes.

Rounding out the podium in third was the pair of Peter Sibson and Greg Barker in #401. It was a sentimental favorite for many in the crowd; Sibson, known for his relentless pace but often plagued by mechanical "bad luck," finally broke through to secure a well-deserved trophy.

A Community Success Portland Dune Buggy Club Secretary Kate Nicol noted the immense success of the day, highlighting the growing popularity of the Southern States series, which spans eight club events across South Australia and Victoria.

With Round 1 now in the books, the bar has been set incredibly high for the remainder of the season. Congratulations to Matt Hanson, the reigning King of the Dunes, and to all the competitors who braved the sand.

Information provided by Kate Nicol, Secretary of the Portland Dune Buggy Club.