Members from the Racing Together program have taken part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix 2022.
 
Attending the four-day event, five Indigenous teenagers from the team were treated to special tours through both the Formula 1 and Supercars paddocks – giving them a rare insight into the top levels of both the international and national championships.
 
As part of the tours, the participants got to visit Formula 1 and Supercars garages where they met a handful of personalities, as well as observed F1 pit stops and the podium just before the official presentation.  
 
The F1 teams featured in the tour included Aston Martin, Ferrari, Williams, Alpine, McLaren, Pirelli Motorsport and Mercedes, where they met Sir Lewis Hamilton – the eight-time F1 champion having shown his support of the program last year. 
 
Racing Together Chairman and co-founder Garry Connelly AM believed the visit would hopefully serve as inspiration for the five lucky individuals, including the team’s Hyundai Excel racer Braedyn Cidoni.


“Racing Together was formed late in 2020 because there have been no Indigenous participants in Australian motorsport, despite the huge opportunities it offers,” Connelly said.
 
“These young people are part of the first group to be fully supported by our charity as they learn about the sport and run their own car and kart racing teams under the volunteer guidance of some of Australia’s most experienced professionals.
 
“Formula 1 and Supercars have opened their arms to this unique concept and were generous with invitations across the grand prix weekend.
 
“To meet Lewis Hamilton, Sir Jackie Stewart, Mark Webber and several F1 team managers and to receive their support and encouragement was an unforgettable experience for our five representatives.
 
“They’ll now return to the task of preparing their Hyundai Excel and Ricciardo kart at Norwell Motorplex in Queensland with even greater enthusiasm and determination.”


Click here for more information on the Racing Together program.
 
Racing Together is supported by Indigenous Group Gunya Meta and Motorsport Australia and will be opening up applications for the second intake later this year.