Young drivers to face Aussies

Whangarei Speedway will host an international test between up-and-coming youth mini-stock drivers next weekend.

While Northland does not have any drivers in the test, we have adopted an Auckland driver who regularly appears on Northland speedways.

Luke Brown has been racing for four years and, in a successful 2012, was crowned the Whangarei and North Island champions.

The 16-year-old will captain the New Zealand team in the Trans-Tasman challenge.

The New Zealand and Australian mini-stock teams have been racing each other in a Trans-Tasman Challenge for about 10 years, alternating between racing in Perth and New Zealand.

Each team consists of six drivers with cars being supplied by the host country.

The cars raced in Australia are quite different to what New Zealanders are used to as they are more similar to what we call production saloons.

The New Zealand team ideally consists of a range of ages between 12 and 16 to ensure that as one or two members drop out due to reaching the age of 17, the other members carry on within the team, and one or two new people are selected.

To be considered for selection does not mean that you have to be the fastest driver or winning the most races.

Selectors look for a selection of drivers who have a good attitude that can relate well to others, someone who can race as a team member, people who can commit for a minimum of two seasons, and drivers who have a high standard in relation to codes of conduct.

In 2011, the Trans-Tasman Challenge was held in Wellington before heading across the ditch where it was held at the impressive $21 million Perth Motorplex and a second test at the Moora Speedway.