2025 JP Racing

Calder Raceway

Student Recounts

I was filled with excitement when I woke up at 6:30am on Saturday morning ready for racing!

I arrived at Calder Park Raceway and joined 50 or so other Level 6’s from JPPS.

To start the day, Mr Jenkins led us on a walk around the track so we knew how big the track was, where the pits were, and the uphills and downhills. It was already above 30 degrees, but we hardly noticed because we were filled with a combination of nerves and excitement. 

Jells Park had 5 vehicles with about 10 kids per team. All of the vehicles lined up at the start line ready for the race. Everybody joined in to countdown from 10…..and they were off to a flying start!

Before I knew it, it was my turn, so I got my cleats, gloves, helmet and sunnies on. 

Mr Veitch helped me safely into my vehicle, and I rode my heart out and scored good times for my team. I was covered head to toe in sweat once I had finished, I couldn't feel my legs, but I felt really happy, proud of myself and my times.

Throughout the rest of the day when I wasn’t riding, I was helping to track my teammates lap times on the ipads and computer, and got to spend time with my friends.

My favourite part of the whole day was hanging out with my friends, working as a team, and getting in some good practice for our big event at Maryborough in Term 4.

By Ben B

We all woke up early to get to the amazing Calder Race! I was super tired. But when I had arrived, my tiredness had turned into being excited!!

 I hopped out of the car and ran straight to where our school had set up. After a quick chat, Mr Jenkins took us around the track. 

Not long after, the race was about to begin. Most of the children were sitting on the barrier ready to see the race start! We did a countdown and off they went!! I was thrilled! Every time one of our HPVs had passed we would chant out their names! It started to get pretty warm so a couple of us headed back to the shade.

 Soon afterward, it was finally my turn to race. I hopped into the HPV and then I was ready to go! It started to get pretty hot and tiring so I had slowed down a bit. Everytime that I passed our school I could hear chanting and yelling. Seeing how enthusiastic they were, I sped up. 30-35 minutes later, I was ready to pit stop. 

Once I had gotten out of the HPV I got a wet towel and an ice cream. I was relieved to sit in front of the fan after pedaling in the heat for quite some time. Afterwards, I sat at the laptops to get peoples’ lap time. Everybody was pretty impressive! Around 2-3 pm it was my turn to time. I didn't quite like the timing bit as it was not very easy to see the HPVs and the temperature was high. 

Overall, the race was really enjoyable. I felt proud of myself and others. 

Although we didn't place 1st I wasn't disappointed because we still did a great job!

By Chloe K