Teens to benefit from new Motorsport Australia program

Motorsport Australia has announced a new program, ‘First Gear’, designed to introduce young people to motorsport.

The new initiative will welcome girls and boys aged 12-17 to learn the ‘fundamentals of motorsport’ and spend time behind the wheel in a safe, supervised environment.

Expert instructors will implement the program, teaching a variety of topics including car control, braking, motorsport safety, steering, vehicle dynamics, motorsport pathways and how to get a MA licence to set teenagers up to compete regularly in club-level events.

Motorsport Australia has upped its offering for aspiring racers in recent years, and this program represents an evolution of Ricciardo’s Racers.

First Gear will launch at locations around the country this year, starting with the first event in Sydney on March 19.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said the First Gear program provided an important pathway into the sport.

“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,” Arocca said.

“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.

“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.”

Motorsport Australia’s First Gear partner, Driving Solutions, will supply road vehicles for the four-hour program, which costs $149 for participants.

A full 2023 events calendar can be found at motorsport.org.au/firstgear with bookings now open for events across the country.

AUTO ACTION, Australia’s independent voice of motorsport