Toowoomba teen takes on speedway's best

Toowoomba teenager Tarhlea Apelt lifts her game to race against state's best

ON TRACK: Toowoomba teen Tarhlea Apelt is testing herself against some of Queensland's best drivers after stepping up to senior Formula 500 action. Picture: Renee Leggo Photography

MOTORSPORT: The reason why Tarhlea Apelt loves speedway racing is simple - she loves competition.

The Toowoomba teen has a strong desire to test herself against the best in her sport and where possible win.

Having made the step up from junior racing to the senior Formula 500 competition earlier this year, Apelt is yet to finish on the podium but she is no less determined.

"I always been very competitive - ever since a young age,” Aplet said.

"I always give it everything I have and when I first drove a speedway car I enjoyed it straight away.

"I knew it was something I would enjoy and wanted to really give it a shot.”

The 16-year-old said the toughest adjustment to date had been dealing with the increased speed and power of her new car.

"Racing in the seniors is a lot faster,” she said.

"The cars are quicker and have more power. I think I've adjust pretty well though.

"I love it (speedway) because it's a sport where every one is pretty equal.

"Just because you're a girl doesn't mean you can't race as as well as any one else.

"If you're race fit - you're fit to race.”

And Aplet has proven to be very "race fit”.

Her best result to date has been a fourth at Brisbane's Archerfield Speedway just 0.6 seconds behind third.

"Getting longer feature races in comparison to a short amount of laps in junior competition is definitely something I've had to get used to,” Apelt said.

"I need to concentrate for longer, but it's definitely getting easier with each race meeting.

"I'm getting faster every race and I think the podium isn't far away.

"It (racing) has been really good. I get a lot of respect from the other drivers.

"They tell me when they think I raced well and they give me plenty of good advice and helpful tips.”

Ready for a well-earned Christmas break, Apelt's next race will be on New Year's Day and she is also targeting appearances at the Queensland and New South Wales state titles.

Originally published as Toowoomba teen takes on speedway's best