Wade Rattray Photo by Stacey Lear
TASMANIA’S Wade Rattray is hoping to extend his family’s strong association with the Australasian Young Drivers’ Championship when he heads to Western Australia next month.
To be conducted as a 10-race series, the Championship begins with a heat at Gloucester Park on December 2 before heading to various country venues and returning to Gloucester Park for the final leg on December 9 – Inter Dominion Day.
Drivers from across Australasia will compete in the tournament, with each Australian state selecting a representative, along with four from New Zealand…Rattray will fly the flag for the Apple Isle.
“I’m thrilled to be selected to represent my state,” Wade said. “It’s a huge honour.
“You always a touch of luck in a series like this because you need to get the right horses in the heats, but I'm hoping a bit of that luck falls my way."
Member of a harness racing dynasty, Rattray is a cousin of Gareth and James Rattray, who have both enjoyed success in the series.
Gareth was triumphant in 2003 and 2010, while James captured the title in 2005.
Barrie Rattray – Wade’s uncle – secured the Inter Dominion Junior Drivers’ Championship in 1984.
Wade is the son of prominent horseman Kent Rattray.
As for Wade, he is excited about the prospect of competing against the best the Southern Hemisphere’s ‘young guns’.
“It’s going to be great,” Wade declared. “I’ve never been to WA before and I’m looking forward to seeing the tracks and how they race over there.
“It will be good to get to know the others in the series, but it will also be great to be competing against them.
“If I can be the latest Rattray on the honour roll that would be awesome and there is no doubt I will be trying.
“I’ll just have to wait and see if that little bit of luck can come my way.”
