July 16, 2024
They start them young at the Historic Leyburn Sprints! Budding teenage race drivers will have a chance to test their ability as they compete for the Mike and Ann Collins Junior Memorial Award.
Ten drivers aged between 14 and 17 have entered the competition, now in its sixth year and named in honour of the late Mike and Ann Collins, respectively founding Race Director and President of the Sprints, and the parents of current President Tricia Chant, and Vice-President Chris Collins.
The award has seen numerous entrants continue onto regular motorsport competition at other venues. Jett Johnson, grandson of Queensland legend Dick Johnson, competed as a 14-year-old in 2019 and is now a Supercars Super 2 driver.
The event is intended to help entrants develop their driving skills through a smooth and consistent approach behind the wheel. Instead of racing for fastest times, their challenge is to stay closest over four laps to a time they nominate after a practice session.
As well as taking home the honour of being the Junior Memorial Award winner, participants are also in the vying for cash prizes thanks to Get Chopped!! Pub Greenmount, and simulator vouches thanks to Carbon Lane.
Their cars must have a maximum engine capacity of 2.0 litres and can’t be supercharged or turbocharged.
Look for these young aces on track, with the letter “J” for Junior beside the race numbers on their doors.
Past Junior Winners
- 2018 Tom Clift (Toyota Corolla)
- 2019 Tom Brelsford (Ford Escort)
- 2020 No Event
- 2021 Thomas Rath (Suzuki Swift)
- 2022 Stevie Chant (Hyundai Excel)
- 2023 Sophia Devitt (BMW E46)
