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Gasworks Karts for Kids Mentoring Program
Youth Mentoring Through Motorsport
Building Confident Young People Through Mentoring, Motorsport and Community
The Gasworks Karts for Kids Mentoring Program is more than a junior motorsport initiative — it is a community-based youth mentoring program that uses the excitement of speedway karting to help young people, aged 6-24, develop confidence, resilience, practical skills and positive connections with trusted adult mentors.
Based at Illabo Motorsport Park in regional New South Wales, the program provides safe, supervised “come ‘n’ try” motorsport experiences for children and young people, with a particular focus on supporting those who may face social, financial or other barriers to participation. Refurbished karts and transport equipment help create opportunities for regional youth to participate in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Confidence begins with encouragement.
Mentoring That Lasts Beyond the Track
At the heart of the program is the belief that every young person deserves a positive role model and an opportunity.
Each participant is supported by experienced volunteer mentors who share not only their motorsport knowledge, but also important life lessons. Through regular interaction, encouragement and practical guidance, mentors help young people build self-belief, develop responsibility and gain the confidence to tackle new challenges.
Mentoring begins long before a young person sits behind the wheel. Participants learn how to prepare a kart, carry out basic maintenance, inspect safety equipment, understand event procedures and work as part of a team. These experiences teach patience, communication, problem-solving and respect—skills that are valuable at school, at work and throughout life.
The program creates an environment where young people feel welcomed, supported and encouraged to achieve their personal best, regardless of their previous experience with motorsport.
The greatest lessons aren't always learned behind the wheel.
Learning Through Practical Experience
Unlike traditional classroom programs, the Gasworks Karts for Kids Mentoring Program provides hands-on learning in a real community setting.
Participants have opportunities to:
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Experience junior speedway karting in a safe and supervised environment.
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Learn mechanical and maintenance skills by helping refurbish and prepare karts.
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Develop teamwork through pit crew and event support roles.
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Build leadership and communication skills while working with mentors and volunteers.
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Learn about motorsport safety, sportsmanship and personal responsibility.
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Gain confidence through achievement and participation.
Every activity is designed to strengthen practical skills while building positive relationships between young people, volunteers and the wider community.
Growing confident young people through mentoring, motorsport and community.
A Pathway for Every Young Person
The program recognises that every child learns differently.
Some participants dream of becoming drivers. Others enjoy working on machinery, helping officials, assisting in the pits or supporting events behind the scenes. The mentoring program celebrates these different interests and encourages young people to discover their own strengths.
Refurbished karts suitable for different age groups and experience levels allow children and young adults to progress at their own pace in a structured and supportive environment. The project aims to provide opportunities for regional youth participants, aged 6-24, through supervised activities and mentoring.
Inclusive and Accessible Motorsport
The Gasworks Karts for Kids Mentoring Program is committed to ensuring that motorsport is accessible to as many young people as possible.
A planned two-seater buggy will enable beginners and participants who may not yet be ready—or able—to drive independently to experience the excitement of the track alongside an experienced mentor. This creates opportunities for confidence building while maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.
By reducing financial barriers through refurbished equipment, community fundraising and grant support, the program opens the door for more young people and families to participate in grassroots motorsport.
Supporting Regional Youth
The program is designed to create positive opportunities for young people across Junee, Wagga Wagga, Cootamundra, Temora, Gundagai and surrounding regional communities.
For many young participants, the greatest value comes from belonging to a supportive community where they are known, encouraged and respected. Through regular mentoring, teamwork and shared experiences, young people build friendships, develop resilience and gain confidence that extends well beyond the race track.
The program also encourages family involvement, recognising that strong communities are built when parents, grandparents, volunteers and local organisations work together to support the next generation.
Every Champion Starts with a Mentor
Growing Future Community Leaders
Many experienced drivers, officials and volunteers first became involved in motorsport as young participants.
The Gasworks Karts for Kids Mentoring Program creates clear pathways for young people to continue their involvement as drivers, mechanics, officials, event volunteers and, ultimately, mentors themselves. By passing knowledge from one generation to the next, the program strengthens both grassroots motorsport and the wider regional community.
Creating pathways for young people to succeed
Junior Karting NSW – A Place to Learn, Grow and Belong
Whether you’re searching for junior karting in NSW, motorsport programs for kids, youth mentoring through sport, family motorsport activities, or opportunities for young people to develop practical skills and confidence, the Gasworks Karts for Kids Mentoring Program offers far more than a day at the track.
It is a place where young people are encouraged to learn, supported to succeed and inspired to become confident, capable members of their community.
Together with our volunteers, partners and supporters, we are helping shape the next generation —one mentor, one family and one young person at a time.
For some children, this is their first time behind the wheel. For us, it's the first step in
building confidence, resilience and a lifelong belief in themselves.
Everyone Belongs at the Track
Gasworks Motorsport Inc is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where every young person, volunteer and family feels respected and valued.
Our Karts for Kids Youth Mentoring Program is open to people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, genders and identities, with participation based on respect, teamwork and a shared passion for motorsport. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate, develop new skills and be part of a supportive community regardless of their background or personal circumstances.
By fostering a culture of respect, encouragement and belonging, we aim to reduce barriers to participation, encourage young people who may not traditionally see themselves represented in motorsport, and ensure every participant has the opportunity to learn, grow and belong.
Related Articles
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Kyla — Gaswork’s youngest, and only female, kart driver debuts at Illabo Motorsport Park
Since this article was published in 2021, female participation at Gasworks Motorsport has continued to grow, with women and girls of all ages now competing across multiple karting and motorsport disciplines.