In an industry-first, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has launched a program to partner junior drivers with industry coaches.
Known as Drive for Life, the program has been developed alongside key industry bodies to support participants to foster a long career in harness racing.
HRV Chairman Dale Monteith said the program will play an important part in futureproofing the industry.
“Supporting young people to build a sustainable career with a defined pathway within the industry is key, and Drive for Life will do just that,” Mr Monteith said.
“Harness racing is a high-pressure, high-speed industry. It requires drivers to respond with split-second accuracy while carrying the expectations of multiple stakeholders on the world stage and not every junior driver has a network they can call on for advice or support.
“Junior drivers particularly feel the pressure this environment produces, as they attempt to establish themselves in a sport they are passionate about.”
Industry coaches will support drivers by providing tailored skills training and coaching in race driving and analysis, form, as well as supporting on and off the track through regular contact at races, trials and stables, and face-to-face training sessions.
Call for coaches
HRV will be calling for expressions of interest to become a paid Drive for Life coach in the coming weeks.
