Jake and Leah Gartside are on a fast track to quad bike racing stardom.
By Paul Pickering
A SPRINGVALE South speed duo is taking sibling rivalry to new heights – and velocities – on the Victorian junior quad bike circuit.
At the age of eight, Jake Gartside is already a celebrated veteran of ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) racing, having won three state titles in the under nine 50cc class.
Jake’s fastest-emerging challenger, however, seems to be his six-year-old sister Leah.
Jake cruised to victory in the 2007 Victorian ATV Championships at Maffra on 12 August, and his little sister is sure to soon follow in his wheel tracks.
For the first time in the state championships, riders in the under nine 50cc division competed in five races over the space of two days.
Having won 24 consecutive races in the division last year, it came as little surprise that Jake won all five races across the weekend.
And while Leah’s age restricts her from riding in competitive races, she is fast becoming the talk of the track.
As her father Grant explains, Leah’s precocious talent is beginning to send shivers through the male-dominated sport.
“She’s the youngest girl out there by a mile and she’s unbelievably fast,” Grant said.
“The boys are not happy about it,” he laughed.
When Jake is asked what it’s like having his little sister chasing him down, he replies: “Embarassing – because sometimes she gets in front of me.”
Leah said the prospect of beating her brother across the line was something she dreamt of, but Grant is quick to douse any talk of family disharmony.
“They help each other out on and off the track,” he said.
“Jake teaches Leah some of the faster tricks and the lines where to ride.”
While Grant has been gradually desensitised to the sight of his son screaming around the track at up to 80km/h, he admits to being nervous with Leah in control.
“I get scared watching my baby go around,” he said.
“Jake is very competent and precise, but with my little girl I’m a bit worried.”
With Jake planning to move up to the 90cc class in the near future, it is quite possible that Leah will assume his mantle next year.
As it is, she and Jake are already the toast of Springvale Valley Primary School, with teachers using them as encouragement for their fellow students to get off the Playstation and actively participate in sport.
Grant is quick to note the success of his little speed demons would not be possible without the support of local businesses.
The Gartsides have been well and truly spoilt by sponsors Pro Mecha Suspension, ATV Spares Australia, Dandenong Motorcycles, Colin at Metro Honda and E-Ton Australia.
“They’ve all been amazingly generous,” Grant said.
