From setback to supremacy: sealing the deal with a heroic final-lap move
In a weekend packed with drama, determination and pure speedway magic, Josh Harm etched his name into the history books as the new Australian Production Sedan Champion, turning a dream into reality with one of the boldest moves of the year.
Rolling into the Australian Title event fresh off several feature race wins and a brand-new lap record at Kingaroy, Harm and his team were already riding a wave of confidence. “The lead-up was solid,” Harm said. “The car felt great—we were in a good spot.”
But as every racer knows, nothing about a title weekend is ever straightforward.
The team had a few minor fixes to do through scrutineering which they got done easily, but rain robbed Harm of a shakedown run in practice, though it did nothing to shake his focus. He came out swinging with a heat win and a second-place finish on night one, before disaster struck in his third heat one night one, with a crash that resulted in a DNF.
“I wasn’t too worried,” he said despite the crash. “We still had some speed in the tank.”
And he proved it. On night two, and starting from position three in his final heat, Harm was able to pull off a commanding win, only to discover post-race that the left rear shock was destroyed.
With spares running low, he threw in a front shock from his Falcon Modified Sedan, crossed his fingers, and buckled in for a wild ride from tenth on the grid in the forty lap Australian Title feature.
The plan was simple: stay out of trouble early, hope that the car was fast enough and to be there when it counts. Harm did just that, methodically picking his way through the field with laser focus on hitting his marks and driving the car how it needed to be driven.
Then came the moment. With one lap to go, tailing the leader, Harm had a choice—play it safe, or swing for the fences.
“I remember coming up to the back of Sayer and seeing the white flag and just told myself, ‘Don’t be a bitch and have a crack around the outside,’” Harm recalled. “I nailed it. Honestly, the best lap I’ve ever done in my opinion!”
That move sealed the deal. In one move Harm had dethroned the two time and defending National Champion Kyle Sayer. Harm crossed the line in first, arms raised and heart full. A childhood dream, fulfilled in full throttle glory.
“To even compete in an Australian Title is huge. To win one? Unreal. Its an absolute childhood dream come true. I’ve been around Speedway my whole life and I’ve watched so many great drivers win a Title, and even more of the greats who never got the chance. I’m incredibly proud to join that elite list of those to be Australian Champion.”
As for the upcoming season, Harm’s focus turns to wearing the coveted A1 proudly. “We’re putting the shiny new wrap together now. I’ll run the big Proddy shows in QLD, and absolutely head south to defend the title.”
Harm was quick to thank those behind the scenes who helped make the dream possible: Car owners Gavin and Rachel, and their family for the ride and relentless support in maintaining the car, keeping it out there and dragging it to race meetings for him. His own family: wife Jess, son Kai, dad, Tonya, Kirstie, Jason, Amy, Kent, Gran Shirley and mum Cindy, #1 pit man Jaiden and the extended crew and a shoutout to the loyal sponsors who backed the journey: Universal Home Improvements, Pro1 Race Parts, Ries Trucking, RPM Mechanical, Truffle Pig, Crowies Paints, Dondex and Pace Graphics.
Josh Harm is your 2024/25 Australian Production Sedan Champion—and he did it the hard way, the right way, and in absolutely unforgettable style.
