April and Bruce Welsh after April came third in the final round of the National Championship earlier this year.
Camera IconApril and Bruce Welsh after April came third in the final round of the National Championship earlier this year. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Hillarys duo heads east for 2018 Formula Vee National Challenge

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

SIX West Australians are heading across the country to compete in the 2018 Formula Vee National Challenge.

The race will take place on the grand prix course at Sydney Motorsport Park from November 2 to 4 – the first time the national event has been held on this track since 1994.

It will feature qualifying, heats and finals in the 1200 and 1600 classes.

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The Formula Vee Association of WA will arrive in force with a 19m truck and trailer transporting the racecars across the Nullarbor, along with pit crews, family, friends and sponsors.

Club President Rod Lisson said Team WA would be fierce competition against Australia’s best.

“A number of local drivers made the trip over earlier in the year and came home with fantastic results,” he said.

“We have been planning, preparing and looking forward to this event all year.

“There are lots of logistics to consider including who will drive the truck.”

Rod’s wife Kathy Lisson, who is one of four female Formula Vee drivers who compete regularly, obtained her truck licence three years ago to help with transport around the country.

The Lissons will be the only husband and wife duo to compete side-by-side at this year’s national challenge, with Rod competing in the 1600 class and Kathy a dominant contender in the 1200s.

Also joining the 40-car grid will be Hillarys residents father and daughter duo Bruce and April Welsh.

Ms Welsh (24) started racing four years ago after growing up in the pits of tracks watching her father race.

“There aren’t many sports where you can compete alongside your daughter,” Mr Welsh said.

“While we are competitive, we both love being out there enjoying it together.”

Young gun Austin Pearson (20) will also be on a mission as a favourite to claim the title.

After multiple podium results so far this year, he will be the underdog to watch.