A Thrilling Community: Narrogin Speedway's Young Racing Stars
Narrogin Speedway is a buzzing hub of excitement, especially when the dirt flies and the young racers take to the track. Among the adrenaline-fueled crowd, some drivers are as young as 11 years old, with the junior division behind the wheel. These young racers are not just speeding around; they're learning valuable skills that go beyond the race track.
The Young Drivers' Journey
Despite some of these drivers being too young to legally drive on normal roads, they receive comprehensive training to race safely. One such driver is Lilly Kulker, a rookie who was inspired to give it a go after witnessing her brother's races. Lilly, just 11 years old, shared, 'It looked really cool, so I decided to try it myself. At first, I get really nervous, but once I'm out on the track, it all goes away.'
Affordable and Accessible Racing
Six of these young racers are part of the Narrogin Quarter Midget Youth Speedway Project, which aims to make speedway racing more affordable and accessible. The group, ranging in age from 11 to 16, benefits from the project's provision of cars, maintenance training, and senior mentors to guide them through the season. Additionally, the drivers take on their own fundraising efforts, showcasing their dedication and initiative.
Skills for the Future
Ryan Donnelly, a former member who has been racing for four years, saved up for his own car by doing lawn moving and clean-up work for a real estate agent. He proudly states, 'I'm really proud of how it turned out.' The project, initiated in 2000 by police officer Trevor Cruickshank, was designed to engage kids who didn't participate in traditional sports. Mr. Cruickshank emphasized that it's more than just racing, teaching the drivers about car maintenance, safety, and even public speaking.
A Community Bond
Jasmin Ellis, now a mentor, joined the project after a surprising turn of events. She recalls, 'My dad came home one day and told me that he met someone at work and that I would be racing. I was not happy because I didn't want to race, and so I said, 'Absolutely not.' I ended up test-driving a car and loving it, so I started off for about two years, and then my sister joined, and we're still here 10 years later.'
The project fosters a tight-knit community both on and off the track. Group secretary Toni Strange highlights the camaraderie, saying, 'We go to the different events all over WA and we all camp together. There are lots of past members who are still racing as seniors that we see at the different events.'
Narrogin Speedway's young racing stars are not just speeding around; they're learning valuable skills and building a strong community. This unique racing project is a testament to the power of mentorship and the potential for personal growth in unexpected places.
