The roar of chainsaws and the thrill of competition returned to the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show, with Chainsaw Racing presented by Industrial and Chainsaw in conjunction with Stihl and Husqvarna.
The roar of chainsaws, the excitement of competition and a determination to revive a once-popular sport brought competitors and spectators together at the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show, where chainsaw racing made an enthusiastic showing at the new Royal Showgrounds in Tweedie, Howick.
Organised by Industrial & Chainsaw, in conjunction with STIHL and Husqvarna, the event attracted 27 competitors from across South Africa, demonstrating that the enthusiasm for a sport combining speed, precision and exceptional operator skill is very much alive and well.
For event organiser and STIHL representative Kyle Brooks, who also took part in the competition, the event represented something more significant than a day of racing. It was an opportunity to help rebuild a sport that had captured his imagination as a youngster.
"As a young enthusiast, I grew up watching chainsaw racing and was inspired by the skill, speed, and excitement it brought to the forestry community," he said.
That same competitive spirit was evident across the three racing classes, with some strong performances and several competitors earning more than one podium finish.
Dave Keist Claims Double Victory
Dave Keist, representing STIHL, emerged as the standout competitor, taking first place in both the 65cc and 75cc Standard classes.
In the 65cc Standard Class, Keist secured first place, followed by Duncan Fryer of STIHL in second and Theo Kraamwinkel of Husqvarna in third.
Keist repeated his success in the 75cc Standard Class, finishing ahead of Brooks, who claimed second place for STIHL, while Kraamwinkel secured another third-place finish for Husqvarna.
The 65cc Stock Appearing Class saw David Bithrey of Husqvarna take top honours, with Fryer adding a second-place finish to his earlier result for STIHL, and Brendan Adams of Husqvarna taking third.
The results reflected a competitive field, with both STIHL and Husqvarna represented among the leading finishers across all three classes.
Bringing Chainsaw Racing Back to Its Roots
Beyond the competition itself, the event formed part of a broader effort to revive chainsaw racing and make it more accessible to enthusiasts.
According to Brooks, the sport had gradually declined over the years as the cost of competing increased, particularly with the growing expense of highly modified racing chainsaws.
The organisers hope to reverse that trend by encouraging competition using stock-standard, commercially available chainsaws, reducing the financial barriers to participation and returning the emphasis to the abilities of the operator.
"Our aim is to help bring the sport back by showing that you don't need the biggest or most expensive machine to compete," Brooks explained.
By racing with standard, out-of-the-box chainsaws in the 65cc and 75cc classes, the focus shifts away from expensive modifications and back to what Brooks considers the fundamentals of the sport: operator skill, technique and safe saw handling.
The approach offers experienced chainsaw operators an opportunity to test their abilities in a competitive environment without the substantial investment previously associated with specialised racing machines.
Brooks emphasised, however, that chainsaw racing is a demanding activity that should only be undertaken by experienced operators with a thorough understanding of their equipment and the risks involved. Safety and technical competence remain essential, regardless of the type of chainsaw used.
For Brooks and his fellow organisers, the response at the Royal Show was an encouraging sign that the sport still has a future.
"The response from competitors and spectators alike proved that the passion for chainsaw racing is far from gone," he said.
With renewed interest and a more accessible approach to competition, the organisers hope to rebuild the chainsaw racing community and encourage a new generation of skilled operators to become involved.
The Royal Agricultural Society congratulates all competitors and class winners and extends its appreciation to Industrial & Chainsaw, STIHL and Husqvarna for bringing this exciting competition to the 2026 Royal Show and supporting the revival of chainsaw racing in South Africa.
For Brooks, the ambition extends well beyond this year's event.
"We are laying the foundation for the next generation of chainsaw racers, and if this year's turnout is anything to go by, the roar of chainsaw racing is only just beginning to be heard again."
