Tom Drane might be just nine years old, but last weekend the keen member of Forbes Auto Sports Club carried away two national titles at the Australian Dirt Track Championships in Kempsey, winning the 65cc two-stroke class
and the 80cc modified-four-stroke class in the seven-to-nine-years division. Mum and Dad — Matt and Lisa Drane, who own MD Steel Fabrication in Forbes — were obviously proud of the achievement, but Tom was “absolutely over the moon” after a weekend that saw him win all 10 of his races and completely dominate his events.
“Even when he fell behind in a race, he just revved it up and fought his way back to the front,” said Matt. “There was just no stopping him.” Last year, Tom scored a second and third in the national titles, which were held in
Cowra, and earlier this year rode to first and second places in the state championships. Tom has been riding dirt bikes since he was four and started competing as soon as he reached seven and became eligible.
Also representing Forbes at Kempsey were Tom’s younger siblings, Georgia and Sam, and Beau Bailey. They all rode in the non-competitive demonstration classes but are keen as mustard to start competing as soon as they’re old enough.