Motor Racing
4 March, 2026
Morrison eyes another street stock title
He might have been cutting laps of the track for three decades but Garfield's Dale Morrison has still got what it takes in speedway.
Not only has his been the car to catch in many classes over the years but his cars are also visually attractive.
Time and time again Morrison has claimed the best-presented accolade, recognised for his catchy, professional panels, paint and sticker work.
Morrison, a member of numerous clubs in Victoria including Alexandra, Drouin, Nyora and Wangaratta, will be in action in his street stock, the AX13, at Blue Ribbon Raceway for the Victorian street stock title.
It's no surprise, given his history within the sport, that if he wins it won't be the first time Morrison has been crowned Victoria One in the class as he held that title back in 2022-23.
But he's also raced his fair share of other classes during his time and, in fact, there are so many of them it's probably better to let the driver name them himself.
"I started in the old three-litre class before trying my hand at bumper cars, modifieds, crash n bash, outlaws, open Independents, standard saloons (in which I won the state title in 2012) and sports sedans before moving to street stocks in 2020," he said.
"I won the Victorian Title at Hamilton for street stocks in 2023."
Ask any street stock driver and they'll list many reasons why they love the class, but for Morrison it's the competitiveness and nature of the racing.
"Streeties give you close elbows-out and fast racing," he said.
"You just know that if you make one mistake, five cars can pass you."
Morrison said winning the Victorian street stock title had been "absolutely" a highlight of his time racing and something he was incredibly proud of, but finishing eighth at the Australian title held recently in Murray Bridge, from 108 entries, was also an accomplishment for the driver and his team.
Morrison is renowned for rolling out a car and a crew that look schmick and was judged one of the six best presented at the Australian title recently, while in 2024 he claimed the best-presented team award at the Victorian street stock title.
While different drivers have different motivations for chasing an elusive title, Morrison's is definitely not usual.
"I’d love to win another title just to be able to do my celebratory doughnuts," Morrison said.
And yes, readers are right in thinking those usually are a given after a feature win, but in Morrison's case he was denied the opportunity.
"It's something that I did not get to do after the last title due to my good mate Brad Warren having a nasty crash on track behind me and the lights having to go red after the chequered," he said.
The Blue Ribbon track isn't completely unknown to Morrison, having raced there a bit in the past but in the three-litre class and modifieds.
"I like to think that I can drive most tracks," Morrison said.
“The streetie class suits my style of racing more than any other I’ve done so far.
"There are no secrets to winning a title; there is patience, skill, not putting too much pressure on yourself and making sure your car is A1, then you just hope it all comes together."
And, finally, who does Morrison think his biggest competitor is going to be this year?
He has his eyes on a few.
"Shane Roycroft has been doing well lately but the Thornes (Heath and Nathan) will be tough to beat in the bloody Magnas," Morrison laughed.