By Dongyun Kwon
With devotion from his parents, a Badger Creek boy has been enjoying his weekend hobby and is now dreaming of getting to a higher level.
Badger Creek Primary School Grade 6 student Steane Cosson is a car racer and has competed in the Speedway Sedans Australia Junior Sedan where drivers are allowed to compete in up to 1500cc four-cylinder sedans.
Having finished at the new stars level over the last two years, the young racer has entered the top stars level this year.
Steane said he loves driving fast.
“Dad was experienced, he didn’t pressure me but coached me to drive my own ability and stay as close to the safety of the pole line so that the more experienced kids could race around the outside of me until I was more comfortable to go faster myself,” he said.
The Grade 6 student is now dreaming of being a professional racer at the V8 Supercars and NASCAR.
To achieve his dream, Steane is planning to try to compete for as many state and national titles as he can to get more experience.
Although the realistic goal for this season is to make the finals in state and national championships, Steane said he will do his best to win.
“We’d like to win. Like any other sports, if you were not out there, trying to achieve your best to win, you’d become less motivated,” the young racer said.
“At this stage, we have a very busy month in January 2025, attending the national Speedway Sedans Australia junior title in Kingaroy, Queensland then we will head down south to the New South Wales state title in Goulburn, then back to Wangaratta for the Victorian title.
“South Australian title will be held at Waikerie on 9 March 2025. We have a very busy season this year and will attend over 25 race meets around the country.”
The 12-year-old boy was inspired before he reached racing age to get behind the wheel as he watched his dad and uncle go at it in the Sports Sedan class.
“I watched my dad and uncle’s race door to door in Sports Sedans for many years,” Steane said.
“My dad first got me a Quarter Midget, which allows kids to race from the age of five onwards.
“When I turned 10, I moved up to a 1500cc class division and am currently racing a Mitsubishi Mirage.”
Steane’s dad Steven Akil, who is the biggest supporter of Steane in pursuing his dream, said he and his wife hold the belief “parents should encourage children to strive for their dreams” despite some obstacles; safety and financial issues.
“My wife and I understand the risks and dangers of motorsport,” he said.
“While it would be amiss off us not to have in the back of our minds that something could happen, we should and do have far greater concerns for our children as they go to and come home from school each day.
“Parents should encourage their children to choose a hobby and if it is financially out of your own means as parents, we should sit down and have that honest conversation with our children. For my wife and I, we only ever do what is within our means.”
Thanks to the encouragement from his parents, Steane is able to keep pursuing his dream and has gained many things throughout the journey, including good memories with his family while travelling around Australia to participate in race meets.
“I’ve learnt how to drive a car and I’ve made many friends from different places,” Steane said.
Steven is encouraging local kids to get into the world of car racing.
Speed Clinic session run by Speedway Sedans Australia, where new drivers can learn about basic information regarding junior car racing, is a good way to start.
For more information, please contact the Junior Sedan Promotion Association of Victoria through its Facebook page, facebook.com/p/Junior-Sedan-Promotion-Association-of-Victoria-100064318824535/
Steane would like to thank the group of businesses including Codeart Productions who have supported his journey to be a professional car racer.
His dad said every little bit of help is welcome.
“Each time we go to a race meet, it does cost us money,” Steven said.
“If some of the local businesses could help us, it would be amazing.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small. It could be anything like fuel vouchers or tool vouchers.”
Anyone, who wishes to sponsor Steane’s motorsport career, is encouraged to reach out to Steven on 0433 121 565.
