Third-generation racer Ashton Sieders will take a major step forward in his young motorsport career, making his debut in the Tyrepower V8 SuperUte Series at Symmons Plains Raceway this week (May 22-24).
The milestone moment will carry even greater significance for the 16-year-old, who will share the grid for the very first time with his father, reigning champion and series stalwart David Sieders.
The Sydneysider has grown up around racetracks and has a lifetime immersed in the renowned Sieders Racing family legacy, which also includes uncle Luke Sieders (a V8 SuperUtes Director) uncle Colin and grandfather Bill.
While the V8 SuperUte debut alone marks a significant milestone, sharing the circuit with his father for the first time is what Ashton said will make the weekend truly unique.
“It’s honestly pretty surreal to finally be sharing a grid with dad,” Ashton said.
“Growing up watching him race and now getting the chance to line up alongside him at the same event is something pretty special for both of us.
“He’s helped me a lot preparing for the weekend already. Whether its driving style, race starts, tyre management or just how to approach the weekend mentally, he’s been massive for me.
“At the same time though, once the helmet goes on, we’re both racers and we both want to do the best job possible.”
Ashton’s debut comes after a rapid rise through the junior ranks in which he started racing competitively only two years ago. His first taste of karting was at age 12, before making immediate impact in his first full season in 2024 securing multiple race wins, a Black Plate victory at the Karting NSW State Title, and the GSKC Junior Heavy Club Championship title.
In 2025 Ashton stepped up to circuit racing with a full-time campaign in the TGRA Scholarship Series before undergoing life-changing spinal surgery in August, the result of living with scoliosis and osteoporosis.
Despite the hurdles, Ashton’s focus wasn’t deterred into 2026 where he added the TGRA GR Cup program as well the Bathurst 6 Hour where he finished first in Class E with fellow V8 SuperUtes driver Ruben Dan.
Father David said he couldn’t be prouder of sharing the grid with his son this week.
“We knew it would inevitably happen one day, and as scary as that can be as his father alone, I couldn’t be prouder to see how he’s embraced learning his race craft the last few years with such focus and commitment, it’s been really impressive,” said David.
“His recovery from surgery was obviously a big decision to make but the way he’s tackling 2026 and going after all his goals, it was the best thing for him and nothing is stopping him now.
“It will be a bit strange not having him help me suit up and strap into the V8 SuperUte because he’s normally always right by my side!
“I’ll try not get too emotional when we’re gridding up for race one at Tasmania knowing he’s out there with me, but as we always do, we’ll put the visor down, we’ll go and have some fun on track and make a lot of memories as a family.”
Heading into his first V8 SuperUte weekend, Ashton says his focus is firmly on learning and building experience across the event.
“I’ve watched the category for years and it’s always looked like a lot of fun but also a real challenge to drive. The cars are powerful, aggressive and reward drivers who are willing to commit, so I can’t wait to experience it properly for the first time,” he said.
“There’s definitely pressure that comes with the Sieders name because of what my family has achieved over the years, but I see that as motivation more than anything.
“The biggest goal for me this week is just to learn as much as possible and keep building every session. I know there’ll be a lot to adapt to quickly but I want to approach it smart, stay out of trouble, keep improving each time I hit the track and hopefully see competitive improvements by the end of the weekend.”
More information on his partners, engineering team and V8 SuperUte car for Tasmania will be announced later this week.
David and Ashton Sieders sharing the grid in Tasmania make it only the third father-son combination in the category’s history, behind Michael and Chris Formosa, and Gerard and Jaiden Maggs.
Round 2 of the Tyrepower V8 SuperUte Series will be held at the Tyrepower Tasmania Super 440 which takes place at Symmons Plains Raceway from May 22-24. Tickets are on sale now here.