By Russell Bennett
Kooweerup teen sensation Brayden Whiting has already made his 2018 a year to truly remember, winning the Victorian Junior Standard Speedway kart title in Mildura recently.
Brayden has already won two races and had two second places so far this year and his confidence and self-belief has started to reflect that.
He got into the world of kart racing just a few years ago and now runs in both the Juniors and Junior Standards.
His dad Scott was one of his influences, so for Brayden the racing game is truly in his blood.
His love for, and attitude towards the sport is not only obvious – it’s infectious.
“It’s fun, first off, and it’s just the adrenaline as well,” he said, talking about just why he loves it so much.
But his is a sport that both involves a lot of travel, and can be particularly expensive.
Brayden races anywhere and everywhere from Avalon Speedway, to Broadford, to Mildura and wherever he goes he proudly represents his home club – the Yarra Valley Speedway Kart Club.
Scott explained that Brayden has got on top of some of the engine issues that had plagued him, thanks to the help of John Lord Engines. Overcoming those, and gaining an all-important boost in self-belief, has helped boost Brayden’s fortunes so far in 2018.
Karting is a real test of both mind and body, and Brayden can’t get enough of it.
“I don’t really know how to explain it,” he said.
“You just get the feeling because you’re so close to the ground moving at that speed, that it really gives you a great adrenaline rush.”
In just his third drive in the Junior Standards category, Brayden truly put his and the Whiting Motorsport name up in lights with his stunning performance in Mildura.
He admits he was “pretty nervous” upon starting the event, but was quick to add: “As soon as you start you pretty much forget everything else and just focus on getting to the front.
“I was hoping I’d be up the front somewhere, but to come home with Victoria 1 was amazing.”
Normally diving in the Junior category, Brayden took part in a test day at Avalon recently which brought about a few key changes that more suited his driving style. From there, his determination, talent, and belief took care of the rest.
Brayden’s biggest challenge is being able to consistently pump out lap after lap of blisteringly-fast times, but it’s one he embraces. He relishes it.
He ran a 10-year-old kart up against 2017 models in Mildura, and won – showing just what the underdog is capable of.
Next up for Brayden is the Kids Royal at Avalon next month – an event where he’ll hope to continue his stellar form.
He thanked his diehard team of supporters and sponsors over his journey so far, including Elite Truck Bodies, John Lord Engines, Australian Go Kart Spares, Ripper Sticker Signs, and the Yarra Valley Speedway Kart Club.
