Young Gun Josh Aiken (left) with father David
Up and coming Avenel driver Josh Aiken has been chosen as the Victorian representative for the 2015 Australasian Young Drivers Championship, to be held next year in New Zealand.
Open to licensed drivers who have not yet reached the age of 25 at the commencement of the Australian or New Zealand racing seasons, Josh will be joined at the Championships by a nominated driver from each of the Australian states, plus four New Zealand competitors, including the reigning 2014 champion, Andre Poutama.
Josh is looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s obviously a big privilege to be chosen at all, but the junior drivers are very strong at the moment.” Josh says. “I’ve never driven in New Zealand, and I’m looking forward to everything, including driving on new tracks.”
Those new tracks will include:
Cambridge on May 7
Alexandra Park on May 8
Addington on May 9
Timaru on 10 May.
After an amazing 2013/2014 season as a driver (Josh won several Group One races, including the the Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series Final at Melton (2240m), the Seelite Redwood Classic at Maryborough (2190m), and the Breeders Crown 2YO Colts and Geldings Trot Final) Josh’s driving ability and professional, intelligent attitude have earned him a ticket to New Zealand. Josh will be presented with his ‘Victorian silks’ during the 2015 TAB Summer of Glory carnival.
While Josh looks forward to sharing stories and ideas with his contemporaries, it’s the lifelong friends he will make that interests him the most.
“Dad (trainer/driver David Aiken) still talks about the driver’s series he has been in. I’m going to have the time of my life.”
