Speedway star Baxter Trouchet is no stranger to success.
At just 13-years-old he has a list of driving accomplishments longer than your arm, and a trophy collection that’s fast outgrowing his room.
His mum, Ingrid, says he’s always been a driver: “It’s innate – it’s who he is. I know I’m his mum, but I’m speaking truth when I say he’s really that good.”
But his three years of successes with the Junior Speedway Racing Association (JSRA) pale in comparison to his latest feat.
Baxter has just been selected as the youngest junior sedan driver out of the six-member Australian team invited to head over to New Zealand to battle it out in the Australasian Challenge in March next year.
The exclusive development tour gives promising juniors a chance to flex their muscles on an international stage.
And Baxter couldn’t be more chuffed.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me,” he said.
“It’s just such a privilege to be chosen – I can’t say that enough.”
As a driver himself, Baxter’s dad Damon knows only too well just how special this moment is for his son.
“It’s amazing. I couldn’t be prouder, really. I’ve raced on the East coast but never been asked to go to New Zealand. So, for Baxter to be chosen on a team like this, especially so early on in his career, is a huge milestone,” he said.
Baxter admitted to being a little nervous – but they’re mostly “happy butterflies”.
The Darling Range teen is now busy preparing himself mentally for the challenge.
He’s used to racing front-wheel drives, but in New Zealand he’ll be borrowing a rear-wheel drive, which requires a huge shift in technique.
Baxter said he’s been hitting up Youtube to analyse his opponents’ driving style, and getting on the driving simulator to practise manipulating a rear-wheeler.
He’s determined to make the most of this experience, with his eyes firmly fixed on a National Title on his horizon.
“To be the fastest in Australia – yeah that’s my goal,” he said.
