The CERA Dunlop Destiny Program has again provided a boon to the grassroots motorsport landscape, giving seven up and coming drivers a chance to learn from the best at Norwell Motorplex.
The Circuit Excel Racing Association (CERA) joined forces with Dunlop Motorsport last month, led by Bill McKenna and the motorsport venue, to bring seven talented young drivers together and learn all areas of racing.
The drivers were tutored by current and former racing royalty, including the likes of Broc Feeney, Brodie Kostecki and Paul Morris.
For the first time in the program’s history, state clubs selected one driver from their membership to be represented this year.
Participants included Will McSwan (Queensland), Zane Rhodes (Western Australia), Joel Johnson (South Australia), Will Twining (Victoria), Matt Handsford Taylor (New South Wales), Will Blair (Tasmania), and Aleeanz Voltz (Northern Territory).
CERA Secretary Andrew Young outlined the efforts made by Dunlop, Norwell Motorplex, and CERA.
“At CERA we are all volunteers and doing this as part our own racing because we see the benefit that is possible,” Young said.
“The opportunity for all of them to go to Norwell is amazing and they learn so much from it.
“To have the likes of Broc Feeney, Paul Morris and Brodie Kostecki help and guide them is incredible and something we don’t take for granted.
“The benefit they get for just being there on the day is a prize within itself.
“You look at someone like Broc Feeney. He started in Excels and is now winning Supercars races, and helping our young guys.”
Each of the participants were put through their paces across all areas of racing from driving behind the wheel, to the technicalities of the track walk, fitness, recovery and mental focus.
McSwan was announced as the winner of the Dunlop Destiny Program for 2026, and the $12,000 prize package which will give his burgeoning racing career an early boost.
Feeney took the youngsters on a track walk for more than half an hour, explaining driving techniques and how they correlate to other tracks.
Drivers then split into groups and rotated between driving and data sharing before a CrossFit session focused on recovery.
In terms of race craft, drivers then went to the skid pan for car control, before a shootout around the circuit.
McSwan described Excels as the perfect proving ground for upcoming drivers.
“It is a great program and probably the best going for grassroots in Australia,” McSwan said.
“The racing is pretty unreal and always door-to-door. Then the Destiny program is on another level and the people who organise it go above and beyond for us. I am so grateful for them.”
McSwan and others will be part of two upcoming national events led by CERA in 2026.
First up will be the 24/7 Roadservices Australia Circuit Excel Bathurst Challenge, serving as a support category for the Bathurst 6 Hour on 3-5 April, joining a 42-car grid.
Two months later will be the CERA Circuit Excel Nationals, held at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend on 12-14 June.
The two outlined events, the Dunlop Destiny Program, CERA, Dunlop and Norwell Motorplex will continue to give back to grassroots racing.
