They say that the secret to the success in any sport is the nurturing and growth in Junior development of that sport. Well that is very evident with the rise and rise of the Junior Sedan section at Darwin’s 7 Mate Northline Speedway.
The roller coaster ride for the Junior Sedans over the past few years saw up to 60 cars nominate for the Australian Titles at Northline Speedway in 2018, but then had a dramatic fall away seeing the section reduced to only 3 cars in season 2019.
As with everything that was effected with COVID in 2020, once speedway recommenced in 2021 the ranks of the Junior Sedans swelled to 16 cars with a regular 13 cars on average at each meeting.
In 2022 there were a total of 36 cars nominated for the NT Titles, indicating the rising interest again in the section.
According to Junior Sedan Section Representative, Cheryl Dennis, the offseason has seen more movement in the section and we can expect up to 20 cars in Season 2023.
“It began with the recycling of cars back at Northline after kids were progressing through to the Senior Ranks” explains Cheryl.
In 2020 the concept of Top Stars and New Starters was born, in order to pit the kids against those with similar experience and ability, which has now transitioned into the two starting races together.
With those kids old enough to move into the Senior Ranks, it opens up opportunities for new drivers into the category as Cheryl explains, “ For example, there was Bailey Jones who raced in Katherine and then went straight into the Wingless Sprintcar section. Last year star Will Prest is moving into Wingless Sprintcars whilst Deegan Sherwood is going into AMCAS”.
Of interest this year is the emergence of the Front Wheel Drive cars, which are on the increase. There are approximately 4 Hyundais, 5 Lancers, 1 Mirage and 2 Charades that will be flying the flag for the FWD brigade, along with the regular bunch of Corolas that will be fronting.
New drivers joining the Junior Sedans this year include Brock and Kade Beurskens, Zackery Czoloszynski, Ashton and Brody Ling, Brodie Costello, Ashling Bucklar and Rhys King.
One busy family is the Beurskens with Mum Krystal having three kids racing. According to Brock, who will be in his first year “I’m looking forward to racing and overtaking, but learning and to experience competing against my brother (Kade) and beating him !”.
Kade on the other hand is looking forward to “learning how to drive and becoming more confident and having fun. And of course to beat my brother (Brock)”.
The concept of Junior Sedan racing has been around for many years across the country. It not only opens up opportunities for kids to get involved in racing, it is also a pathway to getting involved in Speedway for life. Many kids have gone on from not only racing but to be involved as Volunteers in the Sport, as Marshalls, Section Reps, Committee Members etc and as we have seen recently…. even going on to be a Life Member of Northline Speedway!