PIRATES new boy Brady Kurtz is due to kick off his Australian Championship bid at Kurri Kurri tomorrow.

The 19-year-old rising star won the qualifying round at the same venue today having racked up 12 points from five rides.

Reigning champion Troy Batchelor will miss the series due to an arm injury while Pirates star Chris Holder and Swindon's Jason Doyle have opted out.

The Australian Championship is due to be staged over four rounds with meetings at Undera, Gillman and Mildura to follow on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, respectively.