Motorsport: Aussies here to battle for junior speedway glory

Chloe Corban and Aidan Eustace are part of the New Zealand Ministock stockcar racing team. Photo / Richard Robinson

The battle for transtasman junior speedway glory resumes tonight at Waikaraka Park when the Aussies come visiting for the annual race-off to find the fastest young drivers.

Over the years honours are about even, with the young Kiwis looking to gain the advantage in the home and away series starting this weekend.

"The drivers have to be aged between 12 and 17 and as the Aussies are bringing over two girls, we've had to pick a girl as well," said promoter and father of one of the drivers, Kerry Eustace.

"There are six drivers in each team that will race in the tests both here and in the return match in Perth.

"But there will be races during the evening where the other young Kiwi drivers will be able to have a go at the Aussies."

The Australians have a qualifying series and in New Zealand the selectors travel around the country spotting talent and inviting them to represent the country.

For team selection, one of the drivers must be at least 13.

The cars are limited to four cylinders only and are restricted to producing 70-80 horsepower.

On the long straight at Waikaraka, the cars will be getting up to around 100km/h so the racing is bound to be fast and furious - quite quick enough for a 12-year-old child to be in control of. The chassis must conform to a set pattern.

"At all the meetings during the season the juniors get at least three races per meeting. It helps develop good driver skills at 12 to allow them to move on to any other form of motorsport having learnt how to control a car," said Eustace.

Generally regarded as the quickest track in the country, the circuit has seen a wealth of talent over the years and is a breeding ground for some of New Zealand's most successful racers - Graham Mitchell, Kevin Free, and Ray Wright to name a few, as well as Jamie Fox, Phil Game, Lance Jennings and Ricky Mitchell. Gates open at 5pm and racing starts at 7pm.