Campton was forced to retire finishing on four points after collecting a win in his opening heat and third in his second in Wednesday’s night Qualifier for the five-leg Australian title series..

Pickering finished on eight points equal with Ben Cook, but the Cowra rider claimed the final spot in the championship series courtesy of finishing ahead of Pickering in the second heat.

Heddon Greta’s Pickering will rue a poor opening heat result in which he was fourth behind Todd Kurtz, Cook and Matthew Gilmore and collecting just one point from his second ride.

The eight riders to go through from Wednesday night were Ryan Douglas (Qld), Jordan Stewart (Vic), Justin Sedgmen (Vic), Kye Thomson (Qld), Todd Kurtz (NSW), Nick Morris (Qld), Zach Cook (NSW), Ben Cook (NSW).

Seeded riders Tungate, from Pelaw Main, and Masters, from Newcastle, join 2016 Australian champion Brady Kurtz and five-time national and former world champion Chris Holder in tonigh’t opening leg at Gillman.

Holder is in scintillating form in his bid to re-qualify for the World Grand Prix series and tuned up for the Australian titles with victory in the Jason Crump Classic Cup at Kurri Kurri on Boxing Day from Tungate, Masters and his younger brother Jack..

Jack, who won the 2018 NSW title,  2016 World Under-21 champion and four-time Australian under-21 champion Max Fricke, Victorian Jaimon Lidsey and Queenslander Zane Keleher are the other seeded riders.

After the opening round at Gillman, the Australian championship moves to Mildura on Saturday, Undera on Monday and Albury  on Wednesday

Kurri Kurri Speedway Club hosts the final round of what should be one of the most competitive Australian title series in years on January 12.