SAM HADLEY ASPIRING FOR GLORY ON HOME SOIL

Sam Hadley in action at the Mt Sugarloaf Raceway recently. Pic: AF Images/Budd

While he may be small in stature, and young in age, Fennell Bay youngster Sam Hadley knows how to handle a racing kart at speeds close to 100 km/h.

Having been racing since he turned seven years of age, the ten year-old is getting set for the biggest event of his career – the NSW State Championships, that are being held at the Mt Sugarloaf Raceway in Cameron Park next weekend (Sep 30 – Oct 2).

It is the first time that Hadley has been eligible to compete at the state level and he has already got his sights set on a top result.

“It is my first state title, so I’m very excited,” said the Charlton Christian College year five student.

“I think it will be a good learning experience, I’ve also got a new Energy (made in Europe) chassis for the event which I’m hoping will give me some more speed.

“My aim will be to finish inside the top five, I’m confident of having the speed to be inside the top ten but if I can get a top five result I’ll be very happy.”

While winning is the ultimate aim in the sport, Sam’s father Darryl believes that karting teaches the youngsters a lot more than simply how to drive fast around a racing track.

“Karting is a sport that has really brought us together as a family, I used to compete in rallying – that was more about me competing than all of us being involved,” said Darryl.

“It’s not just about racing but also about the places we go and visit along with the friends we make along the way.

“All of the kids are very competitive during the racing but at the end of the day whether they win or lose they still have a good time.

“Seeing kids at the track who are 19 or 20, many even older, who have a strong relationship with their parents is something that the sport plays a big part in. The parents know where their kids are and they’re all enjoying the experiences together.

“Another great aspect of the sport for the youngsters is how they learn about road sense and understanding the dangers involved.”

Hadley will be one of 29 young drivers aged between 10 and 12 who will be competing in the Rookies category at the event.

In excess of 330 entries across the 15 categories have been received for the championships. A full entry list can be viewed by clicking here.

Practice for the event, which is being hosted by the North Shore Kart Club at the Newcastle circuit, begins next Wednesday September 28 ahead of qualifying on Friday September 30. The heat races will be contested on Saturday October 1 followed by the championship finals on Sunday October 2.

The Mt Sugarloaf Raceway is located on the corner of Cameron Park Drive and George Booth Drive, Cameron Park (just outside of Newcastle).

The New South Wales State Championships will be proudly presented by the Yamaha Motor Company Australia, Dunlop Kartsport and MG Tyres. Also supporting the event are class sponsors SMS Diesel (Rookies), Drew Price Engineering (Rookies), Stones Kartsport (Junior National Light), Premier Auto Trade (Junior National Heavy), Hurst Racing Engines (Junior Clubman), Dunlop Kartsport (Senior National Light), Yamaha Motor Company Australia (Senior National Heavy), Kart 1 (Clubman Light), CRG Australia (Clubman Heavy), Remo Racing (Leopard Light & Heavy) and International Karting Distributors (Rotax).