Motorsport Australia’s junior development program has welcomed plenty of eager young guns keen to get their first taste of motorsport at Norwell Motorplex.  

Visiting every state around the country, Ricciardo’s Racers is a program aimed at helping young Australians aged 12–17 to learn the basics of motorsport and build their skills through fun exercises in a Ford Mustang.  
  
With sessions taking place on both Saturday and Sunday, the participants completed a number of activities to learn about essential driving skills under the guidance of experienced instructors before wrapping up with a timed slalom challenge. 


Helping the teenagers throughout the weekend were Dunlop Super2 Series star Jayden Ojeda, Toyota 86 Series driver Lachie Dalton and Earl Bamber Motorsport’s Madeline Stewart. 
  
On top of each session and slalom challenge, the participants also spent time learning the fundamentals, as well as getting a hot lap in the Mustang from the experienced racing drivers. 
  
Out of the participants, Rudraksh Seth was eventually crowned as the slalom champion – an impressive feat considering it was his first time behind the car. 
  
“I felt pretty good to win the slalom course as it was one of my first times driving, which was really exciting,’ Seth said. 
  
“There was a lot to enjoy about the program. Especially the Slalom course and getting to do hot lap. It was fun being timed because you had to push yourself to the limit. 
  
“I rate the program 10 out of 10. I didn’t find anything wrong with it. The instructors were detailed and easy to follow and they were really good at assisting us.” 


Another participant in Tanner Ash also enjoyed himself and highly recommended the program. 
  
“My favourite part was the Slalom challenge. It was really good to drive the Mustang. It was really fast. I just loved it,” Ash said. 
  
“The instructors were really good and super friendly. They were very skilled, which we saw during the hot lap. All three of them were great, especially Jayden. 
  
“I would highly recommend this program. If you enjoy racing, learning how to drive and being in cars, then this program is perfect for you.” 


The next Ricciardo’s Racers will be at The Bend Motorsport Park in October.  
  
Click here for more information on Ricciardo’s Racers.