Fun for first-time racers

Hedland residents were given the chance to become hard-core racers when Port Hedland Speedway Club ran a crash-course at the weekend.

On Saturday night residents were allowed to nominate themselves and were given a safety and vehicle briefing before being suited up to drive an eight-lap test run of speedway cars on the track.

Benjamin Farrell took up the offer and said it was a great opportunity to get behind the wheel of a machine built for speedway racing.

“It’s a lot of fun, everyone should have a go — every bit was exciting, just trying to figure out how to take the turns was exciting and difficult,” he said after the laps.

“You could feel the speed and the power.

“Its something you definitely have to practise; it was my first time but it’s a lot faster (than a normal car).

“Seems like the idea is to have a little bit of traction so you are sliding everywhere.”

Nicholas Somers, who also donned a racing suit for the practice run, said the sport seemed pretty safe with racers strapped into protective equipment and roll cages fitted to the cars.

“A lot of fun, it’s a bit different — there’s not much room to move (in the car),” he said.

“But I suppose you have to be if you’re racing around a track with a lot of other people because you don’t want to be thrown around.

“Suit is pretty good, comfortable.

“I reckon it’s just good that the speedway is putting this on for people that want to have a try, get more people interested.”

The night was also a highlight for local racer, Steven Peaked, 10, who completed his first solo racing circuits.

“It was really fun, I’ve never done anything like it — the car is a bit bumpy but the track’s still pretty smooth,” he said.

“My dad races a car and I’ve always wanted to race as well.”