CRICK’S PRIDE AT YOUNG GUN
DECORATED Tasmanian motor racer Greg Crick could not have been more proud after watching the debut of his grandson Charlie Parker at his home track Symmons Plains as part of Race Tasmania this week.
The 16-year-old grandson of a gun claimed his maiden podium finish when he took second in the Hyundai racing category, and will be out for a win when the racy Excels hit Baskerville Raceway for the second instalment of Race Tasmania this weekend.
Charlie, of Launceston, showed early signs of the talent that saw Greg win backto-back Targa Tasmania titles, Australian GT championships and race in the Australian Touring Car championship, Bathurst 1000, Bathurst 12-Hour and Touring Car Masters over 43 years behind the wheel.
He retired aged 59 in 2015. “I am very privileged to have grandad helping me,” Charlie said.
“I couldn’t ask for anything more, he’s amazing.
“It has given me such a big head start with the knowledge he has passed on to me.”
As well as Greg Crick as his mentor, Charlie’s team also included Red Bull Racing’s supercars boss Roland Dane for the weekend.
“It was just an awesome weekend to have Roland there as well and help guide me in the right direction,” Charlie said. “It was never in my head that I wasn’t going to be a racing driver.”
Greg was not sure if racing would run in the blood.
“I kept saying to him we’re just going to go and have some fun and just enjoy it,” Greg said.
“He has come on so well and driving his car to its full potential, and every time we’ve developed the car, he has stepped up and driven it to its maximum.
“His improvement is far greater than I expected and I am extremely proud.
“It’s a privilege to do something like this with your grandson.”
The Hyundai Excels will join the 560-horsepower V8 S5000 open-wheelers, Trans Am muscle cars and two-litre TCR touring cars at Baskerville this weekend.