Australian sidecar champions Jason Backshall and Kate Barnes have been confirmed as one of the international entries for the 2026 500cc Sidecar Masters at Wimborne on Sunday 4 October. One of Australia’s fastest-rising 500cc Sidecar teams, B B Racing, will make the long journey from Victoria to Dorset to compete against the best of British talent for the Masters title.
Words and Images by Mike Wood
Backshall (31), a qualified carpenter and builder, only began racing speedway in February 2024, while Barnes (32), a teacher of ten years, first took up the sport in October 2022. The pair officially formed B B Racing in November 2024 and have enjoyed a remarkable rise through the Australian ranks. Despite their relatively short time together, they have already built an impressive record:
* 2025/26 Australian Series Champions
* 2024/25 Broadford Series Champions
* 2024/25 Club Championship Runners-up
Competing on a Nischler chassis powered by a GM Nischler engine, Backshall and Barnes have quickly established themselves as one of Australia’s most exciting sidecar combinations, earning a reputation for spectacular riding, commitment and rapid progression.
Away from speedway, Jason enjoys anything with an engine, along with soccer and cricket, while Kate’s background in martial arts, Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing has helped develop the strength, agility and balance required to excel as a sidecar passenger.
The team’s ambitions extend well beyond domestic success. Their immediate goal is to gain valuable international experience before eventually challenging for a place in a European Semi-Final. Alongside their own racing ambitions, they are passionate about helping grow the 500cc Sidecar class throughout Australia, with the long-term aim of seeing officially recognised State and Australian Championships regularly contested.
Their appearance at the 2026 500cc Sidecar Masters at Wimborne represents another significant milestone in that journey and promises to add further international quality to an already outstanding field. The 2026 500cc Sidecar Masters forms part of the International Wimborne Whoppa, taking place at Uddens, Wimborne, on Sunday 4th October. The British Youth and GT 140 Solo’s British Championship is the feature events on Saturday 3rd October making it a weekend not to miss.
