Indigenous Youth Rev Up for Motorsport Success with Racing Together Program

In a bid to enhance Indigenous youth engagement in motorsport, a not-for-profit organization, Racing Together, has taken significant strides to address the lack of Indigenous representation in the motorsport arena. The organization, established in 2020, aims to foster motorsport skills and create employment avenues for Indigenous youth. Recently, Racing Together handpicked a group of 10 new participants for its program after conducting an Open Day event in Townsville.

The initiative has already seen 10 young individuals undergo an intensive training program to construct a race car for participation in the Queensland Excel Racing Series. Moreover, over 100 young Australians have benefited from the organization’s two-day course at the Norwell Motorplex complex in southeast Queensland. This course not only imparts driving skills but also emphasizes social responsibility, road safety, and first aid.

The selection process for the latest cohort of Indigenous youth involved various assessments during the two-day event in Townsville. Applicants were evaluated on aspects such as reaction times, mechanical skills, and even faced a mock media interview. As part of the event, participants had the opportunity to test-drive Toyota GR Supra and GR86 sports cars provided by Toyota Australia, a sponsor of the Racing Together program.

The presence of Australian Rally Championship (ARC) champion, Harry Bates, added value to the event by sharing insights on motorsport careers, racing safety, and providing valuable driving tips to the attendees. The newly formed team comprises Indigenous boys and girls aged between 12 and 17, who will engage in building, preparing, and racing a car in the Queensland Excel Racing Series while continuing their education.

The program not only focuses on racing but also involves team members in various roles such as engineering, mechanics, workshop management, and social media management. Toyota Australia’s chief marketing officer, Vin Naidoo, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s expansion to the Townsville region, highlighting the significance of inspiring Indigenous youth to participate in motorsport.

Inspired by the call for increased diversity in motorsport by renowned racer Lewis Hamilton, Racing Together founders, Garry and Monique Connelly, have been committed to boosting Indigenous involvement in Australian motorsport. The program has already yielded positive outcomes, with three participants securing full-time employment opportunities in the automotive and motorsport sectors.

The ultimate goal of Racing Together is to equip Indigenous youth with skills that pave the way for employment in the automotive and motorsport industries. The program’s success lies not only in nurturing young racing talents but also in fostering personal growth and development among the participants. The support of corporate entities like Toyota has been instrumental in expanding the program’s reach and impact, as affirmed by Mr. Connelly.

The Racing Together initiative stands as a beacon of hope, steering Indigenous youth toward a brighter future in the motorsport realm. Through mentorship, training, and hands-on experience, the program not only cultivates racing skills but also instills values of responsibility, safety, and community engagement among its participants.