Hogan outlasts Middleton in Australian trial thriller, as Harry family doubles up

Connor Hogan has soaked up immense pressure to win a thrilling 2026 Integrated Products Australian Trial Championship in York (WA) on October 10-11.

Hogan (Scorpa) led from the outset in the flagship T1 category to defeat 10-time champion Kyle Middleton (TRS) by 6pts (15 to 21) after two days of intense competition.

But other than Hogan producing a blinder on the second lap of day one – he lost just 1pt compared to Middleton’s six – there was very little to separate the pair throughout as they showcased superb throttle and clutch control on the challenging granite boulders which peppered the ‘Nookadin’ property.

With Hogan holding firm on day two, the South Aussie international claimed his second national title in three years, while it was Middleton’s 15th T1 podium – an extraordinary catalogue of success at the highest level.

Ben Walling (Beta, 51pts) finished third in E1, a three-spot improvement on his 2025 result as the 18-year-old continues to make huge advancements. Walling finished 5pts in front of fast-finishing Tasmanian Chris Bayles.

The T1 podium: (L to R) Kyle Middleton, Connor Hogan and Ben Walling

In the Trial2 and Trial3 classes, it was a dream weekend for the Harry family with father and daughter duo Adrian and Alisha Harry both winning nailbiters.

Adrian’s T2 victory on his Montesa was epic after he defeated 15-year-old Mitchell Teale (Beta) in a countback after both completed the event on 32pts.

Teale enjoyed the early upperhand before Harry returned the favour on day two to square the ledger, and it was ultimately Harry’s title after he completed the greatest number of sections without a loss of points.

Jack Walling (Beta, 48pts) was third.

Alisha (Beta) also had to dig deep as she defeated Richard Kent by just 2pts (10 to 12), while Tristian Lowe (Sherco, 16pts) also produced plenty of clean runs in claiming the bronze medal.

T3 Podium: (L to R) Richard Kent, Alisha Harry, Tristian Lowe

Absorbing battles continued in the remaining 2026 championship classes, with emerging talent Hector Pinto winning the Open Junior title on his first attempt, while 71-year-old Steve Johnson keeps on keeping on by addiing another Vets 55+ crown to his CV.

Glenn Ursino also celebrated the return of Sidecars to the program for the first time since 2023 with a runaway victory, while Mason Brady (Junior 7-11) won the gold after being runner-up in 2025.