Led by Brisbane defender Noah Answerth, the second edition of the Ultimate Driver Championship in February 2026 will have a distinctly Lions flavour.
Answerth, 26, has teamed up with Brisbane businessman Andy Colenso to secure a place in the UDC next year and has signed good Sydney leader Robert Morris for their team.
They have named their slot the ‘Lion Kings’ to reflect Brisbane’s success on the big AFL stage.
The first edition of the UDC earlier this year was a popular inclusion in the harness racing calendar, with local driver Angus Garrard walking away with the chocolates as champion of the first series.
Stylish backman Answerth picked up a premiership medal in the 2024 Lions banner but missed out on their back-to-back win after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury late in the season.
He is working feverishly on his rehabilitation at the Lions’ Springfield complex in Brisbane and says he is hopeful of taking some teammates with him to the UDC, which will be held on February 20 and 21.
“I’m trying to get some of the guys involved to come and watch and participate and enjoy Albion Park on these two nights. To be able to come here and see horses running around town is a pretty cool experience,” Answerth said.
“And to be involved in a slot like the Lions Kings that we have, I’m very excited.
‘I had my father flown in from Melbourne. He has friends who are from Mackay.
“It’s amazing how many people from all over Australia and around the world want to be involved.
“A few of the Lions boys love harness racing and clearly had an interest in it growing up and with their families at home.
“But to get it going in Queensland and get guys coming along for the Ultimate Driver, hopefully that will bring some interest and the guys will come here to watch the races and enjoy it.”
Outside of his football career, Answerth completed an apprenticeship as a furniture maker through Colenso’s company: Colenso Joinery.
He is hopeful the Lions’ AFL winning goal can translate into UDC glory.
“It’s kind of fun to have the culture that we’ve built now and have a team called the Lion Kings,” Answerth said.
“The involvement I have with Andy, he has obviously been fortunate to be involved in the success with Brisbane and to make my journey and story come to life as I won a premiership working with him.
“I’ve had that success and the involvement he’s had in my life is huge, it would be cool to spend the night together to celebrate.”
Colenso is an avid rigger and is keen to tap into the Lions’ winning formula.
“Given the two premierships it was quite natural that we wanted something around the Lions and their success,” Colenso said.
“I think it suits the Lion Kings well, we are all quite excited about our participation in the event and the build up to the event.
“We would like to help support the event and make it a really good evening for everyone involved.
“On Saturday night we hope to have the Premiership Cups here and probably four or five of the Lions lads here as well and make it a good night for the crowd as well.”
Despite being one of the top drivers in Australasia, 34-year-old Morris did not compete in the inaugural UDC earlier this year.
Colenso owns a number of pacers, with Morris often booked in the sulky for his horses.
The Sydney-based pilot has nine Group 1 wins to his name and has a close relationship with the Queensland stable of champion rider Grant Dixon.
Morris knows Albion Park like the back of his hand and although he lives south of the border, Colenso believes his local knowledge of riding the Brisbane venue during the annual carnival will stand him in good stead for the February series.
“Robbie is in good form at the moment, he has ridden a lot of winners in the last two to three weeks,” said Colenso.
“We’re very excited about the potential of the prize money, but I think we’re just involved in that team atmosphere – ten teams, ten drivers, that little bit of competitive element, which is very similar to football.
“I think it’s going to be a great night and if we can get anywhere close to the standings it will be good on the last night.
“It just felt good to get something out in left field and get some athletic guys involved and bring a little community feel to the event.
“I think it’s a unique opportunity and I think it will only grow. I think it will go to another level this year and it can only grow further.”
“That’s why I now came up with the idea of getting in on the ground floor and working on it for several years, that would be great.
“We’re excited to be involved and can’t wait for the night.”
In addition to Answerth’s involvement with the Lions, fellow defender Darcy Gardiner is also a keen horse racing man and has interests in pacers and gallopers running around Australia.
The UDC – an innovative final racing series – will have a prize fund of $350,000 for the 2026 event.
More information about the slot holders and the 10 confirmed drivers can be found here Click here
Through Jordan Gerrans and Andrew Smith for Racing Queensland
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