Motorsport Australia SA/NT Director Kristen Bailey believes South Australia’s development of young drivers is heading in the right direction.
 
Bailey attended the third round of the Motorsport Australia SA Motorkhana Championship at Mallala Motorsport Park earlier this month, which saw 43 competitors taking part in the event.
 
While there was a fairly regular turnout from the SA Motorkhana community, almost one quarter of the entry list were under the age of 18 – highlighting the sport’s rise in participation amongst the younger generation.
 
Of the nine junior drivers taking part in the event, seven were boys and two were girls with the youngest competitor for the day being just 12-years-old.  
 
Leading the charge for the junior competitors was Tyler Edwards, who guided his MG ZR to fourth in class and 15th overall, while Harry Wallis and Josh Dwyer were second and third for the juniors, finishing 17th and 18th overall respectively.
 
For Bailey, it was magnificent to see so many youngsters being competitive.
 
“It was a wonderful day and a big well done must go out to the Modified Mini Car Club Of SA for running such a sound event,” Bailey said.
 
“I think it’s very impressive to have such a large representation of juniors at an event, all of whom did a fantastic job in competing.
 
“Seeing a few of them quite competitive also was special to see, especially since a few of them were in the top half of the event, so they’re definitely on the right track.
 
“Also having one of the young girls, Shelby, participating in the event after coming directly from one of the FIA Girl on Track workshops also highlighted how influential that program is in growing the sport.
 
“It’s fabulous seeing the future of South Australian Motorkhana in such great hands and I look forward to seeing these youngsters develop over the years and maybe one day fight for a national title.”
 
Outside of the juniors, the event marked quite the spectacle for the outright result with Tony Wallis steering his Mini Cooper to a comfortable victory over Stuart Cotton and Phil Wilson.
 
Click here to view the full results from the day.
 
The next round of the Motorsport Australia SA Motorkhana Championship will be at the Mount Gambier & districts saleyards on 17 September.