Motorsport Australia has today introduced a new development program for young people, First Gear.
Designed to provide the first introduction to motorsport for girls and boys, the program includes time behind the wheel under supervised conditions and will be run at locations around Australia throughout 2023 and beyond.
Available to girls and boys aged between 12 and 17, the program teaches the fundamentals of motorsport and outlines the steps required to begin competing more regularly.
First Gear will feature exercises designed for small groups to allow every child the opportunity to learn new skills from our expert instructors in a safe environment. After they have mastered the basics of car control, they will be ready to progress to participate in club level events.
Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said the First Gear program provided an important pathway into the sport.
“It can be difficult to know where you want to start in motorsport, so First Gear provides a terrific pathway for those starting their motorsport journey to discover a potential pathway,” Arocca said.
“The First Gear brand is an exciting opportunity for Motorsport Australia to generate more interest and welcome more participants into the sport, particularly those younger motorsport fans.
“Coupled with our other programs, like the hugely popular FIA Girls on Track program, this is another step in making sure the sport’s future remains bright.”
The program will also continue to grow in the years ahead, giving young people more opportunities to participate in their local car clubs across all disciplines, including rally and off road.
This brand is the next phase of the previous development program run under the Ricciardo’s Racers banner.
A full 2023 events calendar can be found at motorsport.org.au/firstgear with bookings now open for events across the country.
The first event will be held on 19 March in Sydney.
For more information and to secure your child’s place in this innovative program, head to motorsport.org.au/firstgear.
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