Leading Queensland reinsman Pete McMullen is looking forward to a week long holiday.
But it’s a holiday with a twist.
The 23yo heads to Sydney tomorrow (Friday) as the travelling reserve for the World Driving Championship that starts officially this Saturday night at TABCORP Park, Menangle.
McMullen stamped his ticket for the trip by winning the inaugural Australian Drivers Championship at Globe Derby Park in Adelaide last October.
Champion Victorian based reisnman Chris Alford was selected as Australia’s representative.
The series runs over eight days, with 20 heats to be contested around the state. The drives are decided by a random draw in each heat and drivers will wear their national colours.
After two heats at Menangle on Saturday, the series moves to Newcastle, Goulburn, Wagga, Bathurst and Penrith, with the final heat on Inter Dominion Grand Final day at Menangle.
For McMullen, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime.
“I can’t wait, hanging out for a whole week with the best drivers in the world is a massive honour and a huge privilege. If I’m lucky enough to pick up a drive along the way, then great but just being here with guys like Tim Tetrick and Jody Jamieson is a massive buzz.” An excited McMullen said.
The third generation horseman is an unabashed fan of the North American harness racing scene and regularly watches races via SKY Channel or on his mobile devices.
McMullen has made several trips to the United States already and has even driven at the famed Meadowlands racetrack in New Jersey where he was rubbing shoulders with the likes of John Campbell and Ron Pierce.
“That was back in 2009 and I was just a kid but it’s something I will never forget, I was lucky enough to get support from Chris Ryder (family friend) and my best result was a third placing on a mare called Stacked Deck.
“I really enjoy the way it’s done up there and I’m always watching replays, more of the drivers so I can keep improving my skill set and getting firsthand experience this week with Tim and Jody will be amazing.
“Their records speak for themselves, their future hall of famers and have sat behind some the best names in the business. At the end of the day, I’ll be happy just to carry their whips around but I’ll be asking for as much advice as possible.”
Just recently, McMullen became the youngest reinsperson in Australia to drive 1000 career winners, eclipsing the previous mark set by Amanda Turnbull.
