Corowa local Dylan Wyllie had his racing dreams come true after being selected to drive around the Albert Park circuit ahead of the F1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Twelve-year-old Karter Dylan Wyllie had the experience of a lifetime last Wednesday driving on the new Albert Park circuit prior to the weekend’s F1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
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The Corowa local was one of 23 young Karting Australia Licence Holders selected to take on the reconfigured circuit.
The youngsters followed former F1 racer Tim Schenken who was driving a Maserati 250F. They were also led by Australia’s FIA Karting Championship Academy Trophy representative Harry Arnett, female driver Joanne Ciconte and Rochester Kart Club’s Tanner Peters.
The 23 youngsters, including Dylan, followed former F1 racer Tim Schenken who was driving a Maserati 250F. Photo: Karting Australia Facebook.
Dylan told the Free Press it was an experience he would never forget.
“I was feeling very nervous but very excited at the same time,” he said.
“I arrived at 5:30am at the circuit with everything ready to go. We had a driver briefing at 6:45am before entering the circuit via Turn 11 at 7am. The lead car was a Maserati race car which we followed for the first lap then continued with the tracking film vehicle on the second lap.
“The highlight was to drive on a track that professional racing car drivers compete on with all the barriers and signage in place for F1 drivers.”
Dylan first took up racing for three years ago.
“I got into Go Karting after going to the 2019 Grand Prix which inspired me to try racing,” the Rutherglen High School student said.
“What I like most about Go Karting is pushing the limits, the thrill of the speed and the atmosphere at the Albury Wodonga Kart Club.”
Dylan’s racing achievements since taking up the sport include nine 9 podium finishes including the firsts, the 2020 AWKC Cadet 12 Club Championship and the 2021 The Guarantor Perpetual Award Junior AWKC.
Dylan thanked everyone who has supported his journey so far.
“I would like to thank my Mum and Dad and my sponsors – Dickins Engineers and Apex Corowa,” he said.
“I would also like to thank Albury Wodonga Kart Club for providing a venue to race. Also Karting Australia and Australian GP Corporation for making this event possible.”
Dylan will move up to Junior Class in his next race with a goal of working towards racing in open wheel, Formula Vee.
To check out Dylan’s drive around the Albert Park Circuit visit DZW Racing on YouTube.
Ready to race! Dylan pictured before taking to the track.
