Reading Motorsport has pulled off a remarkable coup with an eye-watering performance at the last round of the Australian Rally Championships in Tasmania’s remote north-west on the weekend.
Driver, Bodie Reading and navigator Brad Jones, cast the reputations of some of the nation’s best drivers and their teams aside as they came away with gold.
For Reading, it was his third Production Cup win in succession, his fourth Tasmanian Rally Championship trophy and the pair finished sixth overall in the Australian Championship.
The star-studded entry list included millionaire teams from all parts of Australia and a sprinkling of international-class drivers.
The event was live-streamed to ensure maximum exposure.
Reading’s Huon Valley based team relies on sponsorship from Les Walkden Enterprises, a few local businesses and a handful of mates.
The final round was marred by wet and slippery conditions on the first day, with a high attrition rate in the marathon 40 kilometre stage.
“All the times I’ve been doing this, it’s the slipperiest it’s ever been,” he said.
“So far, we’re on target, we’re just going out there tomorrow (Sunday) to enjoy ourselves.
“It’s been a tricky weekend, we had a few little issues out there, but we managed to get through alright.”
That was the way it panned out, as Reading, Jones and their team managed the beast and beat the odds for a major podium finish in the Production Cup, Reading’s third in succession and the first for Jones.
“I’m rapt getting another one but also being able to give the first one to Brad, I know that means a lot to him, and he deserves it.”
“We are a very small team with a very standard car, so full thanks to all the team, especially Les Walkden for all the help he has given us.
“Without him and all the other sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to do it.”
Reading started the 2025 season with hopes, but they weren’t high, and he said it will be the same next year.
The mantra for 2026 for Reading and his band of sponsors will be the same.
“Just going to play it by ear,” he said.
