In the small town of Narrogin, Western Australia, something extraordinary happens every week as young people as young as 11 years old take to the speedway track, navigating scaled-down race cars at speeds up to 75 kilometers per hour. What makes this even more special is that many of these drivers aren't even old enough for their learner's permits on regular roads.

The Narrogin Quarter Midget Youth Speedway Project has been transforming young lives for more than two decades, offering an exciting alternative for kids who might not be drawn to traditional sports. Among the current racers is 11-year-old Lilly Kulker, who caught the racing bug after watching her brother compete. "It looked really cool so I decided to try it myself," she shares with infectious enthusiasm. While she admits to pre-race jitters, once she's on the track, the nerves vanish and pure joy takes over.

The program's origins trace back to 2000 when police officer Trevor Cruickshank arrived in town with a vision. Recognizing that not every young person gravitates toward conventional sports, he invested in eight cars and all the necessary safety equipment to create something different. "It was aimed at kids who didn't play sport because we have so much sport in this town. This was just something different for them," Cruickshank explains.

What sets this program apart is its comprehensive approach to youth development. Beyond the adrenaline rush of racing, participants learn mechanical skills, fire safety with extinguishers, first aid, and even public speaking for those moments when they step up to accept awards. The project provides cars, maintenance training, and senior mentors, making speedway racing accessible and affordable for families who might not otherwise be able to participate.

The success stories are inspiring. Ryan Donnelly, now 16, spent four years in the program before saving enough money through lawn mowing and cleanup work for a real estate agent to purchase his own car. His pride in that achievement shines through as he reflects on his journey.

Sunny's Take

Perhaps no story better captures the program's magic than that of Jasmin Ellis, now a mentor herself. When her father first told her she'd be racing, her response was a firm "absolutely not." But after one test drive, she was hooked. Ten years later, she and her sister are still involved, giving back to the community that gave them so much.

Secretary Toni Strange emphasizes the tight bonds formed through the program. Families travel together to events across Western Australia, camping side by side and creating lasting friendships. Former junior members, now racing as seniors, reunite regularly at different events, maintaining connections forged on the track years earlier.

The program stands as a beautiful example of what happens when a community invests in its young people, offering them not just an activity, but a pathway to confidence, skills, and lifelong friendships. As the dirt flies and engines roar at Narrogin speedway, dreams are being built one lap at a time.