On the road to racing success

Jake Klein headed for the Mark Larkham Racing Acadamy Pic Marco De Luca

A Caroline Springs racing driver hopes to fast-track his way to the top by learning from the best.

Jake Klein (pictured) is headed to the Mark Larkham Racing Academy at the end of the month after winning the Toyota 86 Racing Series Kaizen Award – an international award for aspiring drivers.

The award is given to competitors in Toyota’s 86 Racing Series who demonstrate respect for fellow competitors and improvement in their ability.

As part of the award, the 21-year-old will attend the high-octane two-day racing workshop on the Gold Coast starting June 28 in preparation to drive in the New Zealand T86RS at the NZ Supercars event in November.

Klein said he started driving before he could ride a bike.

“I was interested in racing when I was five years old because my dad raced go-karts,” he said. “When I was six I finally got my first go-kart and started racing in competitions not long after that. It’s been a big part of my life.”

His next big race will be in Townsville early next month and he hopes for success.

“I’m hoping to get a good result, last year we were pretty competitive, we’re better placed than last year.

“I like Townsville, it’s one of my favourite tracks.”