JP Racing - 2026

Calder Raceway

On Saturday the 14th of March, the students involved in HPV drove down to Calder Park Raceway to compete in the first race of the Vic Series. 

When I arrived at the race course, it was quite busy with all the other teams setting up their tents and preparing their vehicles. It was very nerve racking because I was racing closer to the end of the day. The vehicles that were competing were Raptor, Vanquish, Fury, and Shazzam, I was racing for Raptor.

Before the race started, everyone went on a walk around the track together while Mr. Jenkins explained some tips on the course and how to turn whilst avoiding flipping the vehicle. When the race started, the riders started off and Huddy got us a great start. I felt super excited but also nervous as the race began, the atmosphere was loud, energetic, and full of excitement as teams cheered for their starting riders and teammates. Every vehicle was doing amazing, until early on in the race, Shazzam got a popped tire, this was a major setback but they managed to make their way back on the leaderboard.

During the race, it was really great to cheer for my teammates when we changed riders. When it was finally time for me to hop in Raptor to race, for my first lap I was very nervous, but afterwards I was starting to feel really good and confident in Raptor. Although I was pretty happy with my times, I was a little disappointed because on my second lap, the sole on one of my shoes broke off so I was only pedaling with one foot. The weather was very hot and sticky, making it way harder to ride and stay focused during the 45 minutes I was riding. Despite this, I still tried my very hardest to help out and contribute to my team while off the track.

Throughout the day, we received tons of support from others, including local businesses like Bakers Delight who donated food to us. This was very helpful and we are all extremely grateful because everyone was hot and hungry. We are also very thankful to the parents who brought food, and those who helped out throughout the day. However, one thing I didn’t quite like was how tiring the day became, especially with the heat and waiting around for long periods of time. As the race went on, I started to get really tired. Even though it was exhausting, it was super exciting to watch the other team compete and cheer for our school.

Collins H 

It was the day of Calder Park, round one in the Victorian HPV series. I woke up tired yet buzzing with excitement over the Calder park race.

It was an hour drive to the venue. Soon after we got there I helped my dad unpack the  trailer. At roughly seven o’clock Mr Veitch came with the marquees and tables. I started to help him unload his trailer and after about ten minutes Mr Zach came with the HPVs followed by Mr Jenkins. We unloaded the HPVs carefully and set up the marquees. After that everyone started to arrive prior to the race start. 

At nine thirty Mr Jenkins took us on a track walk to show us the layout of the track. After that all the first riders got ready and jumped in the trikes to start the race.

Raptor, which was my team, decided that we would put Huddy as our first rider.

It was a long race and whenever a rider from Jells came past we would all cheer.

After what felt like years but was actually two and a bit hours it was my turn to jump in. When Abby came into pits Dan and Mr Veitch helped Abby out and me in and I was riding down the pit lane looking at all the other teams. When I turned the corner I was on the track now fighting for first place. As I started my first lap I felt the nerves and excitement swelling inside me. I had just done my first lap when I went round the first corner it felt like I was going to tip. I felt like I was on two wheels and I remember saying “oh no oh no oh no oh on” .I was scared for my life and I remember Huddy over the radio saying that I got us into first place, so I held it together until I saw the last lap sign.

 I sprinted to the pits. It was a quick changeover and Ivy jumped in. 

After my stint I was wrecked! I cooled myself down, got changed and before I knew it it was my turn to time Max. As soon as he started making his way out of the pits I started the lap timer, he was doing some pretty good laps while I was timing. I was drinking a coke and relaxing. Soon after I was timing someone else for Andre. Before I knew it Huddy was in for the second time to finish the race. We missed out on first by 6 laps. 

But on the bright side we soaked Huddy with water.

Packing up was like a giant game of tetris but we started to pack things up and put things away. Until we went to the presentation where my dad’s team including Mr Zach, Mr Jenkins,a couple of dads and my parents won the masters category! as well as my brother's team who also came first shortly after every one came to help us pack or trailer which was nice. 

So we packed up and headed home from a great day.

Acher D