Racing WA Harnessing Young Drivers With New Program Launched

Pinjarra. Photo by Photography by Jodie Hallows.

Racing WA launched its Driving Forward Education Program this week with the first of four sessions taking place at Pinjarra on Wednesday, November 20.

“The Driving Forward Education Program has been created to provide young harness drivers continuing education on various best practice topics to continue to foster a long career in harness racing as a driver.” Sharyn Lancaster – Racing Training Manager for Racing WA.

With 15 young drivers currently undertaking the program, session one was a huge success with the topics of Industry Ethics, Integrity and Media covered with guest speakers Deputy Chief Steward Richard Mance going through the processes of protests and inquiries, as well as discussing the current whip regulations and rules around pushing out in races.

The in-depth presentations for the first session ran from 11.00am through to 1.00pm, with the young drivers given opportunities to ask questions and interact throughout the session.

Racing Communications Coordinator/TABradio Sports Daily Host Tim Walker spoke with the young drivers in the second half of the session, explaining the roles of the media and the different expectations of drivers in the industry.

Walker explained how to prepare for interviews, whether it be for the radio, on camera for social media, or for print media and gave them helpful tips on how to get over the usual media jitters.

Session two will be held sometime in February 2025 with Horse Welfare and Fitness the key points of discussion.

Session three (TBA) will cover driving skills and the fourth session (TBA) will discuss health and safety.

Industry Ethics and Integrity, and MediaHorse Welfare and FitnessDriving SkillsHealth and Safety.

The Driving Forward Education Program ensures that the young drivers will continue to receive support by Racing WA’s newly appointed Harness Driving Mentor Aldo Cortopassi, who provides feedback on race driving and performance, analysis and ways to improve on trials and race drives.

The program is mandatory for all young drivers that are currently going through the Junior Driving Program offered by Racing WA, as well as current concession drivers.