Through its Education and Development Program the Junior Speedway Racing association of WA aims to create a pathway to advance, encourage and provide young up and coming drivers with an opportunity to develop their skills with the aim of improving their level of performance.

The JSRA offers access to the highest technical assistance and expertise in the country with the purpose of raising standards in car performance and race craft. A high expectation is also set for personal presentation and behaviour and the encouragement of professional attitude and personal growth both on and off the track.

For many years Speedway has had to carry the stereo type of be frequented by Bodgies, Bogans and Undesirables. Only recently I caught up with an old friend from school days who admitted that although he went to Claremont Speedway regularly he hadn’t managed to take his own young family down to Kwinana. When I quizzed him on the reason why – this highly educated and successful businessman candidly told me that he didn’t know if he could guarantee the safety of his kids – not from a rouge crashing race car but the from type of people they may encounter on the spectator bank or in pit lane. To be reminded that this sentiment still existed was mortifying.

The reality is that at the elite level of WA Speedway the Perth Motorplex is a multi million dollar investment in the sport that has been recognised as one of the best purpose-built Motorsport venues in the world. In pit lane there is also at any one time a multi million dollar infrastructure incorporating race cars and transporters, spare parts, tyres, fuel and the many individuals who derive a living from a thriving industry that supports the sport.

In addition, there have always been high achievers in the sport because the same discipline and commitment that drives to succeed on the race track also translates to lives outside the sport. Speedway has produced many leaders of industry and those that have achieved outstanding things in the community.

Among our younger driver brigade are university graduates Nicholas Bombak an Environmental Scientist; Carl Dowling is an Engineer; Sean Zemunik is in Finance Industry and high achievers in trade such as Apprentices of the Year David Priolo and Dale Alfirevich.

The Junior Speedway Racing Association of WA has among its members a budding and youthful group of enthusiastic race car drivers that not only show great potential on the track but in there life aspirations. For example, Jack Alfirevich is a year 8 student at Emmanuelle Catholic College and was one of only 8 from 150 candidates selected to do a Gifted and Talented Education Programme while Laura Byrnes in year 9 at John XXIII College is currently doing extended studies in Science and Maths.
Indeed a role call so far of JSRA drivers for season 2008/2009 quickly confirms that exciting times are coming in the months ahead. Members contesting the 12th Healthway Smarter than Smoking Series include Bronwyn Channing #1 ; Josh Martinelli #4;Jack Alfirevich #5;Scott Elst #22; Laura Byrnes # 27 ;Tahlya Spicer #7;Tristyn Spicer #55;Brian (BJ) Higgs #25;Kyle Larson #19;Brooke Oldfield #2;Liam Dowling #91; Ryan Ludlow #29;Josh Fraser #15;Elizabeth Lockyer #38; Danica Brassington #17; Johnny Terriaca #10 ;Kelly MacArthur #11;Mitchell Connor #18;Brendan Vanzetti #109.
What really stands out here is the significant Speedway pedigree in the group and the likelihood of these drivers fulfilling senior careers. By becoming a member of the Junior Speedway Racing Association of WA the hope is to give these kids the best chance to fulfil their potential.
There is a renewed enthusiasm and energy in the JSRA and its members and all things considered it looks like the future of Speedway is in very good hands.