Racing Together motorsport team highlighted in National NAIDOC Week 2025

A driver who has become the first with indigenous heritage to lead an Australian motorsport championship has been labelled a Supercars star of the future.

Kade Davey and Karlai Warner have been high achievers on the racing track.

A driver who has become the first with indigenous heritage to lead an Australian motorsport championship has been labelled a Supercars star of the future.

Kade Davey’s maiden Toyota 86 Scholarship Series race win last month lifted the Racing Together team to tied first in the championship in a history-making feat that has continued his path to the sport’s elite categories.

“The car was really quick thanks to the Norwell Motorplex crew,” The 17-year-old said of his performance at Morgan Park Raceway.

“It was a cool weekend, I learnt a host of skills and getting the first race win for my team, Racing Together, in the Toyota 86 Scholarship Series was pretty awesome.’’

He is considered a potential Supercars driver in the future while fellow South East Queensland-based indigenous driver Karlai Warner, 18, is also on the Racing Together team and is consistently in the top 10 in competition.

One of the vehicles used by Kade Davey and Karlai Warner.

Last month she made her return to the Queensland Production Car Series in a Suzuki Swift.

Getting up to speed in a new car at a technical track like Morgan Park is no easy task, but she was able to deliver one of her strongest performances.

“It was great to be back at Morgan Park in the Suzuki Swift for Round 2,” Warner said.

“It’s always tricky getting used to a new car at a new track, but I just kept chipping away. By the end of the weekend, I was five seconds quicker than when I started.

“Race 2 especially, I kept hitting green sectors and finished 1.5 seconds faster than the day before.’’

Kade Davey finished first in Race 3.

Davey was spotted karting and encouraged into the sport while Warner is mentored by track champion Paul Morris.

She has proven to be a fast learner after only sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle for the first time four years ago.

Aimed at under-21-year-old first nations girls and boys, the Racing Together team was founded in 2020 by Garry Connelly and his wife Monique with the aim of teaching indigenous students about mechanical and technical skills, social responsibilities, courtesy, respect and general driving skills.

“The ultimate objective is to equip them with the necessary skills for a career

hopefully in motorsport or related industries,’’ said Garry Connelly.

Racing Together is run entirely by volunteers and is a registered, not-for-profit charity with Australian Charities and Not for ProfitCommission.

The team’s two drivers, Davey and Warner, were the flagship motorsport talents.

One of the cars used by Kade Davey and Karlai Warner.

Originally published as Racing Together motorsport team highlighted in National NAIDOC Week 2025