When it comes to aspiring young drivers, Chloe Wootton is certainly motivated to succeed.
 
The 12-year-old has been attending grassroots motorsport events all her life, constantly supporting her grandfather Bob, who has been running local hill climbs for more than 50 years.
 
Starting out simply as a supporter, Wootton was then able to pick up the tools and work alongside Bob on his car at every available opportunity, helping pre-event and as pit crew during events.


 
December 2020 saw her life change for the better as she received admission for a learner driver program from Bob on her twelfth birthday before getting the ultimate gift on Christmas - an unregistered Mazda 121 to learn how to drive manual at organised events.
 
Wootton got her opportunity to compete in February this year, when she entered the Christian Autosports Club of Australia’s gravel motorkhana at Sydney Motorsport Park with Bob by her side.
 
A huge success, Wootton couldn’t wait to get another taste and just one month later, she was entered in the Lithgow District Car Club’s Yvonne Martyn Memorial Motorkhana, an event celebrating the official opening of its new track.
 
Although she started the motorkhana with grandfather by her side, Wootton eventually started completing the tests on her own and had significantly improved as the day went on – her confidence behind the wheel building at the same time.  
 
Unfortunately, Wootton hasn’t been able to compete since then, but her journey has only just begun as she looks to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps.


 
“It’s been a really great experience and I can’t wait to turn 14 so I can start competing in hill climbs,” Wootton said.
 
“The learner class was a great start and even though I only learnt how to drive stick one hour before it started with grandpa’s help– it was really good day.
 
“We had a bit of wet weather, so it was a good basic introduction to driving and other things like checking oil and changing tyres. I am glad I did it.
 
“The motorkhana was really cool too. I had a lot of fun even though I didn’t know anyone there, but I got a lot of encouragement from everyone which helped me through the day.
 
“I love motorsport as a hobby, but I am not really interested in racing against other cars. I have grown up in hill climbing and I think I just want to continue doing that.
 
“I love being part of grandad’s pit crew and I am sure he will be part of mine when I finally start racing.”
 
“For me, motorsport is about family and it’s about keeping the connection and bonding with each other. We are all very supportive and have a big passion for motorsport.”