Young Gun Gains Experience
18 December, 2017
Harness
Michael Grantham may have lost the contest, but the gun Perth reinsman says he still walks away a winner after participating in the 2017 Garrard’s Australasian Young Drivers Championship (AYDC) in Brisbane.
“It was a terrific experience and I think it was just great for me both personally and professionally,” Grantham said.
“I was able to absorb so much knowledge and be in a position to discuss different ideas and tactics with other drivers.
“It was a real eye opener and a different environment to what I am usually accustomed to when back in Perth.
“I went over there as a stranger, but I come home making life-time friends after just a week together.
“The next person who is lucky enough to go and represent their state will pick up amazing knowledge.”
Grantham collected 39 points after ten round of heats, finishing 10th behind home town hero, Narissa McMullen, who edged out New Zealand star, Dylan Ferguson in a tight contest.
The 19-year-old McMullen, fresh from another century season, drove home six winners including three in the opening and closing heats at Redcliffe and Albion Park respectively.
“Narissa knows the tracks so well and the form and just dominated,” Grantham said.
Grantham said the AYDC will be the ideal launching pad as he looks ahead to several feature races in 2017.
“I’m looking forward to Mister Shark and The Bucket List,” Grantham said.
“The Bucket List is targeting the Fremantle Pacing Cup and the WA Pacing Cup.
“If he can hold on then we are also looking at the Hunter Cup in Victoria.”
Before heading to Queensland Grantham was in red-hot form, guiding home The Bucket List in the Inter Dominion Consolation final and Mister Shark in the San Simeon final at Gloucester Park on December 8.
The AYDC showcased the skills of the best young drivers aged under-25 from each racing jurisdiction in Australia and New Zealand.
Julio Santarelli