MEDIA RELEASE/Mathew Basso – Photos: Velocity Magazine

Mornington Peninsula teenager Mathew Basso has delivered the biggest result of his young car-racing career, claiming two race victories and both the Overall Round and Rookie Round wins in the Battery World Aussie Racing Cars Super Series at The Bend.

At only 16 years of age and in his first year racing cars, Mathew has broken through for his maiden Aussie Racing Cars victories while competing against some of the category’s most experienced drivers.

Driving the #81 Click for Health Mustang for Corish Motorsport, Mathew claimed two race wins, finished second in Race 3 and left The Bend as both the Overall Round Winner and Rookie Round Winner.

The round was held as part of the AirTouch 500 at The Bend Supercars event in South Australia.

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Mathew’s achievement was made even more significant by the calibre of the field, which included seasoned Aussie Racing Cars competitors and drivers with experience in higher-level categories, including Super2 and Porsche racing. At The Bend, the rookie was not simply keeping pace with the experienced field—he was racing them for victories.

“It was an unbelievable weekend and definitely one I’ll never forget, Mathew said.”

“Getting my first win was an amazing feeling, but to win again and come away with both the Overall Round and Rookie Round trophies was incredibly special.”

“There are some seriously experienced drivers in this category, so knowing we can race with them at the front and win gives me a lot of confidence.”

A breakthrough that had been building

Mathew’s result at The Bend followed a season of strong performances and rapid development in his rookie Aussie Racing Cars campaign.

At his debut round at Symmons Plains in Tasmania, limited running and car issues made for a challenging introduction to the category. Despite this, Mathew charged from P19 to finish P3 in the final race.

At Townsville, he again started the final race from P19 and raced through the field to finish P3, gaining 16 positions.

At Queensland Raceway, Mathew qualified P6, added another podium and demonstrated that he was increasingly capable of competing with the leading group.

At The Bend, that potential was finally converted into victories. Mathew claimed his maiden Aussie Racing Cars win before continuing to feature at the front throughout the weekend. He finished second in Race 3 after leading for a significant part of the race.

The final race produced an intense eight-car fight for victory. Mathew remained composed under pressure and took the chequered flag for a second time, securing the overall round victory.

“We’ve shown speed at different stages throughout the season, but we hadn’t been able to put the whole weekend together. At The Bend, it finally came together, Mathew said.”

“The racing was incredibly close and you couldn’t afford to make a mistake. To come away with two wins and the round victory is something I’ll always remember.”

From rookie to round winner

Mathew only began his first full season of car racing in 2026.

He started the year competing internationally in the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship, where he finished fifth overall as a rookie and secured his first international podium.

He then returned to Australia to join Corish Motorsport in the Battery World Aussie Racing Cars Super Series, competing at major events on the Supercars program.

In the space of one season, Mathew has progressed from learning the fundamentals of racing cars to becoming an Aussie Racing Cars race winner and overall round winner.

Before moving into cars, Mathew enjoyed a successful karting career that included becoming a Victorian Kart Champion, Golden Power Series Champion and multiple Australasian Kart Title winner.

“This year has been a massive learning curve. Formula Ford in New Zealand was my introduction to car racing, and Aussie Racing Cars has been another completely different challenge, Mathew said.”

“I’m extremely grateful to Corish Motorsport and everyone who has helped me make that transition.”

Balancing national motorsport with Year 10

Away from the circuit, Mathew remains a Year 10 student at Woodleigh School on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

He balances interstate racing and travel with his education, fitness and reaction training, simulator preparation, sponsor commitments and coaching younger kart drivers.

Mathew’s longer-term ambition is to continue developing through the Australian motorsport pathway and ultimately establish a professional career in Supercars or GT racing.

“I’m still right at the beginning of my journey in cars, and I know there is a huge amount to learn. My goal is to become a professional driver, so I want to keep improving and make the most of every opportunity.”

Support behind the number 81

Major partner Click for Health has played an important role in supporting Mathew’s move into Aussie Racing Cars, with the company featuring prominently on the #81 Corish Motorsport Mustang.

Mathew’s racing program is also supported by Tyrepower Mornington, Morris Finance, Castrol Australia, NGK Australia, UNIT, Success Web Marketing and a growing group of businesses contributing to his racing, training and development.

“Motorsport isn’t something you can do alone. I’m incredibly grateful to every business and person supporting me. It was special to give everyone something to celebrate at The Bend.”

Gold Coast finale awaits

Mathew will now prepare for the final round of the Battery World Aussie Racing Cars Super Series at the Gold Coast 500 from 23–25 October 2026.

The concrete-lined Surfers Paradise Street Circuit will be another completely new challenge for the rookie. This time, however, Mathew will arrive as an Aussie Racing Cars race winner, double winner and overall round winner.

“The Gold Coast is going to be massive. It’s another circuit I haven’t raced before, so I know there will be plenty to learn, Mathew said.”

“The Bend has given us confidence, but we’re not taking anything for granted. I want to prepare as well as possible and hopefully finish my rookie season strongly.”

Mathew Basso quick facts

Age: 16

Home: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

School: Woodleigh School, Year 10

Team: Corish Motorsport

Car: #81 Click for Health Mustang

Category: Battery World Aussie Racing Cars Super Series

The Bend: Two race wins, Overall Round Winner and Rookie Round Winner

NZ Formula Ford: Fifth overall as a rookie and first international podium

Karting: Victorian Champion, Golden Power Series Champion and multiple Australasian Kart Title winner

Next event: Gold Coast 500, Surfers Paradise, 23–25 October 2026

Career ambition: Professional Supercars or GT driver

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