Jaxon Tyler Rayner international racing career in jeopardy after he was clocked at 154km/h and drunk

A motorbike speedway champ’s future is in a magistrate’s hands as she considers whether to convict the P-plater after he led police on a high-speed chase while drunk.

The future of a young racing star who has just qualified for a national title is in the hands of a magistrate after the P-plater was caught drunk driving at 154km/h, a court has heard.

Jaxon Tyler Rayner, 21, fled police for roughly 30 minutes in a van before attempting to run away on foot as he knew he was over the limit when police spotted him exceeding the speed limit along the Riddoch Hwy just outside Penola on January 21.

A police prosecutor told the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court Rayner’s actions were incredibly dangerous and said a term of imprisonment was not unwarranted but added he would not oppose a suspended term as it was his first offence.

“On our rural roads there’s been an issue of fatalities,” the police prosecutor said.

“It’s quite serious that he’s driving while intoxicated and speeding — that’s a danger not only to himself and the police but other road users.

“I think a severe warning has to be given — for driving in this manner.”

21yo racer Jaxon Rayner was caught driving drunk at 154km/h in a 110 zone while on his P-plates. Picture: Supplied

After patrols activated their lights, Rayner continued travelling southbound for roughly 30 minutes before reaching Wandilo Forest Rd and turning into a sealed business’ driveway.

Rayner got out of his van and attempted to hop the gated fence before he was arrested — with alcohol testing revealed he had a BAC of 0.054, the court heard.

Rayner pleaded guilty to exceeding the speed limit by 45km, driving dangerously to escape police pursuit and contravening a condition of a provisional licence.

Rayner’s lawyer Shane Sanchez’s argument that his client had “panicked and took off” from police was opposed by police prosecution.

“This is (offending) is just not a momentary pause — this is a continuum as we say of half an hour and at high speed in a rural area.”

Jaxon Rayner is the ‘swingman’ on a speedway motorbike team and helps balance the bike, a court has heard. Picture: Supplied

Mr Sanchez pleaded with the court for leniency, asking Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos not to record a conviction as it could harm the young racer’s potential international career.

The court heard Rayner is the “swingman” on a speedway sidecar racing team qualifying for a position in the Australian national titles this weekend.

“If he continues to go further that might lead him to be going overseas — he’s only just qualified, but it is a future prospect,” Mr Sanchez said.

21yo racer Jaxon Rayner (middle) was caught driving drunk at 154km/h in a 110 zone while on his P-plates. Picture: Supplied

Ms Kossiavelos said she had never given someone a suspended sentence and not recorded a conviction, asking for written arguments from Mr Sanchez that would support such a sentence.

The court heard not recording a conviction was usually reserved for people who had been handed a good behaviour bond.

“Mr Rayner the matter is one where your future is essentially in my hands — it’s too serious for me to finalise the matter now.”

The Woodville North man will next front court in April for sentencing.