A new program intended to fuel a passion for motorsport is starting in Australia, giving kids as young as 12 the chance to get behind the wheel of a muscle car.
Aussie kids will be able to get behind the wheel of powerful sports cars from 12 years of age under a program designed to fuel a passion for racing.
The new “First Gear” program by Motorsport Australia will see kids aged 12 to 17 take the wheel of high-powered muscle cars alongside professional racing drivers around the country.
Motorsport Australia’s First Gear driver training program starts in March.
The program takes place on test tracks away from public roads, using sports cars such as the Ford Mustang GT.
Kids learn the basics of car control including steering and braking, along with vehicle safety tips and how to get started in club level motorsport.
Expert racers from Driving Solutions will teach kids the basics.
It’s open to kids in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, taking place at locations such as Sydney Motorsport Park and The Bend Motorsport Park.
Participation costs $149, and bookings can be made via the Motorsport Australia website.
Ricciardo’s Racers allowed kids a chance to learn driving basics in sports cars.
The program originally launched as “Ricciardo’s Racers”, named after F1 star Daniel Ricciardo, but has evolved for 2023.
Motorsport Australia chief executive Eugene Arocca says the First Gear program provides an important pathway for young people interested in racing.
Porsche racer Courtney Prince will help coach kids in the program.
“It can be difficult to know where you want to start in motorsport, so First Gear provides a terrific pathway for those starting their motorsport journey to discover a potential pathway,” he says.
“The First Gear brand is an exciting opportunity for Motorsport Australia to generate more interest and welcome more participants into the sport, particularly those younger motorsport fans.
Emerging racer Lachie Dalton with a young subject during the Ricciardo’s Racers program.
“Coupled with our other programs, like the hugely popular FIA Girls on Track program, this is another step in making sure the sport’s future remains bright.”
Driving Solutions director James Stewart will help run the program with the help of young racing drivers including Supercars stars Andre Heimgartner and Thomas Randle.
Motorsport Australia’s First Gear driver training program gives young drivers a head start.
Female racers Courtney Prince and Chelsea Angelo will help kids understand high-performance driving, helped by Super 2 contenders Lochie Dalton and Jayden Ojeda.
More Information: Motorsport Australia
Keyword: Aussie kids can learn to race in Mustangs with ‘First Gear’