A 13-year-old from Wandong has been invited to participate in the 2023 Australian Junior Speedway Championships, set for Tamworth, New South Wales, this Saturday.
Angus Hume, who made his start in speedway two years ago, has been competing in numerous events and championships – securing solid results in on both 125cc and 250cc bikes.
Angus will compete in the Under 16 250cc championship, riding the same sized bike as used in the premier divisions despite having a smaller engine.
Father Chris said it was a big honour that his son was selected for nationals.
“He’s a little bit nervous, but I think he’s a bit excited at the same time,” he said.
“It’s a big honour to be in the top 16 in the country and I think he’s the only Victorian in it, so he’s the pride of Victoria at the moment.”
Speedway is a motorcycle sport that usually involves four riders competing over four laps of a small oval circuit, riding specialised bikes that have no brakes and use only one gear.
To be selected for the national championships, Angus was scouted by judges at various events across Australia.
The judges decide on each competitor based on individual performances and state nominations.
Angus has been racing a 250cc bike for about seven months and has taken part in competitions in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Mildura, but Chris said he got his start on a 125cc machine at the Broadford Motorcycle Complex.
“Basically I bought him a bike and we took him out to Broadford and taught him how to ride it,” he said.
“It’s like a village, the speedway community. Everyone gets around and helps the young blokes out. If they ask questions they’re always teaching them, it doesn’t matter whether you’re in South Australia or New South Wales or Brisbane.
“Everyone’s helping everyone’s kids. Everyone wants to see this sport succeed and everyone wants to see everyone in it succeed.”
Chris said Angus would be aiming for a middle-of-the-pack finish but hoped for a strong result.
“The top three go straight into the final and the next four have to fight it out for the last spot,” he said.
“We’re hoping to get close to getting into the B final, anything above that would be a bonus.”
