Best young driver wins tight contest

Jared Maclachlan’s safety skills won him the title of Central’s Best Young Driver at Highlands...
Jared Maclachlan’s safety skills won him the title of Central’s Best Young Driver at Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell. Photo by Jono Edwards.
After a tight contest, Jared Maclachlan, of Cromwell, edged the competition to become Central's Best Young Driver.

Yesterday was the second and final day of the young driver programme at Highlands Motorsport Park.

The competition tested the skills of the 24 drivers, aged 16 to 25, including changing car tyres, putting chains on, controlling cars on wet roads and emergency braking.

Three competitors were tied for first place at the end of the programme, resulting in a showdown where they had to repeat some exercises.

Mr Maclachlan said the skills he had developed from racing his Ford Escort against friends on closed roads proved useful in the competition.

"You learn how to control a car, which definitely came in handy.''

The biggest learning curve was using an anti-lock braking system, he said.

Peter Coleman, of Cromwell, won most improved driver.

He and Mr Maclachlan both won a $350 Motor Trade Association voucher and a $300 Highlands voucher.

Most drivers were given time off work to take part in the competition and, so, Mr Maclachlan's employer Downer won $120 in Highlands vouchers.

Organiser Jo Robinson said the competition was tight.

"The drivers were great. Everyone exceeded expectations.''

There was a range of skill levels, from those with learner licences, to one driver with a racing licence, she said.

The programme is organised by the Central Otago District Council with support from Highlands Motorsport Park, the Central Otago Motorsport Club and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

jono.edwards@odt.co.nz

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