Young Tasmanian harness racing driver Jacob Duggan will be out to continue his good recent form at the upcoming Australasian Young Drivers Championship that will be held throughout New South Wales this December.
Duggan, 18, drove Modern Power to victory at Sunday’s meeting in Hobart and drove his first treble late last month at the same venue.
He was an automatic selection after claiming last season’s Tasmanian Junior Drivers Premiership, in which he won 44 races. He currently sits third in this season’s title race with 25 wins.
“It’s a really big thrill, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I had a lot of support from many trainers and owners throughout last season and again this season,” said Duggan.
Jacob will be out to continue a strong family tradition in the series.
His father Adrian won the 1997 championship in South Australia, and Jacob’s uncle Ricky also dead-heated for first in the 1993 Championship in Queensland.
For Jacob, the series will be the second time he has had the opportunity to drive outside the state.
“I have only had one drive out of the state, which was Wattabout Spangher at Bendigo, where we ran fifth.
“It will be great to meet new people, drive on different tracks and hopefully make a few new friends along the way,” he said.
The series commences at Menangle on 10 December before travelling around the state to contest heats at Bathurst on the 11th, Penrith on the 12th, and Newcastle on the 13th before the final heat on Inter Dominion Grand Final night at Menangle on 14 December.
The last Tasmanian to win the series was Gareth Rattray in 2010 when held in New South Wales.
