BIG AND SMALL SET TO CELEBRATE TERRITORY DAY

Cadet driver Keelan Edwards with the Tassie Devil Monster Truck (Pic: AF Images)

Some of the biggest and smallest pieces of motorsport machinery are set to rock the Top End for Territory Day this Sunday.

Many of Australia’s future motorsport stars will be in action at the Northern Territory Karting Championships at the Hidden Valley Karting Raceway on Saturday and Sunday, while the Monster Trucks will light up the Darwin Showgrounds on Sunday night.

Drivers as young as seven will be taking to the Hidden Valley circuit aboard their karts as they chase championship glory at speeds close to 80 km/h, one such driver is Howard Springs youngster Keelan Edwards.

In his second year of karting eight-year old Edwards will this weekend be competing in the Cadets category.

While the main aim for these youngsters is the enjoyment of the sport and teaching them valuable lessons about car control and driving techniques well before they are old enough to obtain their road licence, winning is a big bonus.

“I love racing, my sister was an Australian champion, and second in the world, for water skiing and my Dad has been a motorsport fan for many years – so you could say that racing is in my blood,” said Edwards.

“This weekend is going to be a lot of fun, there’s drivers from all around the country here to compete. Hopefully I can finish on the podium.”

Joining Edwards on the grid will be Jack Doohan, the son of five-time Moto GP World Champion Mick Doohan. It will be the second time that Doohan has competed in a championship event, he finished third in the Victorian Championships in March.

With his father by his side as mechanic throughout the day, Doohan was amongst the fastest drivers in the 19-kart field during practice today.

“Jack’s having a great time and learning a lot, that’s the most important thing right now,” said Doohan Snr.

“This is his second big meeting like this and he’s enjoying not only the racing side of it but having fun with all of the other kids when they’re not racing.”

A total of 250 entries have been received across the 13 categories being contested at this weekend’s championships.