CELEBRATING FIA VOLUNTEER AND OFFICIALS MONTH – JAMIE BOULOS

Jamie Boulos (pictured 3rd from left) was a part of the Officiating team at Round three of the Australian Kart Championship in Newcastle.

In 2024, Jamie Boulos attended at Girls Race Too event at Greater Sydney Kart Club, igniting passion and a way to progress forward in the world of grassroots motorsport – both on and off the track

“After having a go on track, I quickly realised that while the racing itself was exciting, it wasn’t really where my passion was. What fascinated me more was everything happening behind the scenes, the organisation, the teamwork, and the way a race meeting comes together,” said Boulos.

Officiating creates many memorable experiences and lessons both on and away from the kart track. This has given young Boulos many chances to grow in the world of karting, with ample work experience in all areas at club level.

Boulos is one to give each position at the track a go, recently finding herself at home in lights and flag marshalling, and time keeping – uplifted by the fulfilment of precision, focus, and technical understanding that those roles require.

“Since stepping into the role of an official, I’ve had the opportunity to learn and work across almost every area at a kart track. It’s been such a great way to really understand how the race meeting operates. Out of all the roles, I’ve found that I particularly enjoy lights and flag marshalling, grid marshalling, and timekeeping,” said Boulos.

Since officiating at the round of the SP Tools Australian Kart Championship in Newcastle earlier this year, Boulos has been enlightened with her experience of volunteering in sport, noting it was incredibly rewarding, eye-opening, and inspiring to be involved in a national-level event.

“Officiating at an AKC round in Newcastle was such an eye-opening experience. There’s a real emphasis on precision, staying on time, and keeping everything running smoothly. It gave me a new appreciation for just how much effort goes on behind the scenes, both from the host clubs and Karting Australia, to make these large-scale events happen. Being part of that team effort was really rewarding,” said Boulos.

When it comes to encouraging others to volunteer their time in karting, the advice was a heartwarming reminder of just how family-based and welcoming our sport can be.

“Being part of officiating has really helped me open up and build confidence I didn’t know I had,” said Boulos.

“Working alongside such a diverse group of people has been one of the best parts, and I think a lot of the officials I’ve worked with would agree that I’m a much more social and open person now than when I first began.”

“Volunteering in karting gives you the chance to learn, grow, and be part of something bigger. So, if you’re thinking about it, just go for it!”.

Become a Karting Australia Volunteer or Official through our website at www.karting.net.au now.