Karen McNamara (Dobell, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to inform the House of the achievements of Drew Ridge, a Formula race car driver from Matcham, within the electorate of Dobell. Drew has recently taken the first major step towards becoming a professional race car driver after winning the Asia Cup Super 6 title at the Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. What makes this achievement all the more impressive is that Drew is only 16 years old. Drew started competing on the Malaysian circuit in December and says that his recent win was a big boost for his career.

Last year, I was able to support Drew through the government's Local Sporting Champions grants program. The grant enabled Drew to compete in the 2014 Race of Stars, which saw Australia's top karters and some of the world's best compete at the major title. Only the top 25 junior Australian drivers are invited to compete, along with international champions.

Drew can continue in the Asia Cup series, which starts in August, or potentially compete in the new Formula 4 series in Australia or Europe. Drew is a great example of the sporting talent we have on the Central Coast. I would like to wish Drew all the very best for his future and commend his achievement to the House. I would also like to commend the achievements of many of the other sporting champions that we have on the Central Coast. I encourage many of our young students and local champions to apply for the grants that we have from the federal government, the Local Sporting Champions grants program. I commend Drew's achievements to the House.