James Herbertson
AUSTRALIA’S premier driver James Herbertson added to his bulging CV with another title at Albion Park last night.
Herbertson, 25, dominated from the opening night of the 10-race Australasian Young Drivers’ Championship and had the series won before last night’s final heat at Albion Park.
It was just the second time Herbertson has represented his state in the series.
“I’ve been driving nine years and I’m still a junior, but this is the last year I can drive in this series so it’s great to win it,” he said.
“These types of series are always great and this year is the same. They’re a terrific group of people and drivers.
“I’ve been lucky enough to get some nice drives and make the most of them.”
Herbertson became just the fifth Victorian to win the series and the first since Tayla French in 2022. The others were: Ellen Tormey (2012), Michael Bellman (2002) and Kerryn Manning (2001).
The crown continued a rollercoaster year for Herbertson.
“It’s a year of many highs, but also some big lows,” he said, referring to the loss of his idol and mentor, Greg Sugars.
Despite more than a month driving in the US and Sweden – he drove winners in both countries – Herbertson is on target to successfully defend the Australian Driving Premiership he won so easily last year.
Herbertson has a 20-win lead over Queensland star Pete McMullen.
Queensland’s Chloe Butler overtook NSW young gun Jett Turnbull for second place in the last couple of heats.
Carter Dalgety’s close second in the final heat of the series made him first home of the four Kiwis in the series. He finished fourth.
FINAL POINTS TABLE
111 James Herbertson (Vic)
95 Chloe Butler (Qld)
77 Jett Turnbull (NSW)
66 Carter Dalgety (NZ)
64 Emily Suvaljko (WA)
60 Sam Thornley (NZ)
50 Bernadette Page (SA)
46 Wilson House (NZ)
44 Harrison Orange (NZ)
37 Brodie Davis (Tas)
PHOTO: Stuart McCormick
