Teenager on the rise
Apelt keen to make home mark
SPEEDWAY: She has already been earmarked as a Rising Star of Australian speedway and tomorrow night Tarhlea Apelt is hoping to give hometown fans another glimpse of her developing skills at Hi-Tec Oils Toowoomba Speedway.
The Toowoomba teenager, who turns 17 next month, rolls out this weekend in her Formula 500 machine on a huge weekend racing card beginning tonight.
The twin Toowoomba weekend meetings are highlighted by the rich Modified Sedan PS Designer Homes T-Bar National event over both nights.
Apelt takes to the track tomorrow night when the Formula 500s form part of the support card alongside Super Sedans, Modlites, Wingless Sprints and Juniors.
It’s the next step in her climb up the speedway ladder which began in a quarter midget car seven years ago.
Apelt’s track emergence received an official boost in January this year when she was included in Speedway Australia’s Rising Star Program.
The Highfields State Secondary School Year 12 student’s racing CV saw her earn the Rising Star Program promotion ahead of a host of Australia’s most promising young competitors.
After persuading her father Greg to back her entry in Formula 500 racing Apelt is chasing goals with the support of her family team.
“This is my fourth year in Formula 500 and my first in senior competition,” Apelt said.
“I’m pretty happy with the way it is going for us.
“I’ve done more than 15 races since the start of the season and have had some good finishes.
“I had a fifth placing from 12 cars in my first race and in the first six meetings I had two nights where I finished sixth and two nights finishing fourth.
“I missed what would have been my first podium in one of those races by .6 of a second.
“A podium finish remains my goal now before the racing year ends in May.
“That is something I’d love to do this weekend on our last Toowoomba night of the season.”
Apelt’s team includes her grand-dad Darryl who lends a hand on race night and mum Leigh who is trackside for “moral” support.
“I enjoy the chance to race at Toowoomba which along with Brisbane are two of my favourite tracks,” Apelt said.
“It’s great to be able to learn against the top drivers on the banked circuit.
“For me each meeting is about getting more experience and confidence under my belt.
“I’m looking forward to Saturday night and my next chance to earn a podium spot.”