Andrew Firth is looking forward to commencing the 2018-19 season in more ways than one, with the Firth Motorsport team having been bolstered by the acquisition of a new team driver, which is none other than his teenage daughter Taylah.
Despite having had no previous racing experience, there’s no denying that Taylah has a strong speedway pedigree, with Firth having raced AMCA Nationals before moving into V8 Dirt Modifieds four seasons ago.
Filling the driver’s seat in the NSW # 15 Penrite supported Bicknell, powered by a 350ci Chevrolet Crate engine, the 18-year-old rookie is looking forward to making her speedway racing debut in the V8 Dirt Modified Sportsman division, with her plan to contest five race meetings during the season, each at Grafton Speedway, and Firth is just as excited about it as she is.
“As a father, it’s a dream to have your kids interested in the same things that you are and I’m looking forward to having Taylah joining me on track this season,” expressed Firth, who pilots the 358ci powered NSW # 51 Bicknell, also supported by Penrite.
“Taylah’s my biggest supporter in racing and there’s no doubt that I’m hers as well. The aim for the season ahead for Taylah is to find her feet and gain as much experience as possible, while also having a lot of fun.”
Off the back of what was his best season yet with the V8 Dirt Modifieds class, scoring a trio of feature-race wins, two on home soil at Grafton Speedway and one at Lismore Speedway, Firth is hoping to continue his momentum throughout the 2018-19 season, planning to return to his happy hunting ground – Grafton Speedway – for five race meetings, along with racing each of the three shows at Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway, selected outings at Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway and the Australian Title at Toowoomba’s Hi-Tec Oils Speedway.
“Last season’s campaign was by far the best for me, so the goal is to try and build on that this season,” he enthused.
“Our team has made some improvements to the engine during the off seasons, and I’m hoping that will make a positive difference from the outset and help us to maintain consistency throughout the season.”
Both Firth and Taylah’s 2018-19 season will get underway on the Saturday night of September 29 at Grafton Speedway for the Spring Cup. Following that meeting, the father and daughter duo will be flying to America at the beginning of next month to support and learn as much as they can from fellow Australian racer and Taylah’s boyfriend Chris Corbett, who is contesting this year’s Super Dirt Week, which takes place at Oswego Speedway in the state of New York from October 3 to 7.
In other news for the team, Penrite has decided to continue their support of Firth Motorsport as the major sponsor for their 2018-19 season. Established in 1926, Penrite is an Australian-owned manufacturer of premium Australian-made automotive oils and lubricants, which has built its reputation as one of the world’s leading oil and lubricant suppliers. To find out more, visit their website at www.penriteoil.com.au.
In addition to Penrite, Firth Motorsport would like to thank their 2018-19 season sponsors: Grafton City Batteries, Gorton’s Storage & Industrial Sheds, Hession’s Auto Parts, Big River Pizza, North Coast Engines, Bent Street Windscreens, and Cleavers Mechanical Repairs.
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