Green Brothers Racing will feature a change of drivers for a busy upcoming fortnight of sprintcar racing in SA and Victoria.
Following a short stint which comprised seven meetings, Kayla Green has returned to her adopted USA home due to commitments.
The 18-year-old more than impressed in her maiden campaign piloting the #74 Maxim during appearances in SA and Sydney.
“Kayla’s performances were outstanding, given she had never driven a 410 sprintcar previously,” noted crew chief and uncle Trevor Green.
“She certainly displayed some of the skills honed racing winged midgets in California, and her potential ability in a race car is simply unquestionable.
“To qualify for A-mains in Whyalla and Murray Bridge as well as the NSW championship was testimony to her talent and ability to learn and adapt.
“It was quite humbling to have a number of people comment on the professional way she conducted herself on and off the track, and we certainly wish her all the best in her American endeavors this year.”
While one talented ‘young gun’ departs, another will step into the cockpit of the black and green #74, as exciting Sydneysider Max Johnston takes over driving duties for some of the biggest events of the current season.
The 24-year-old Johnston is no stranger to the competitive world of sprintcar racing, having raced on the Australian scene since the age of 18, while having also dabbled in American competition.
While having contested three Outlaws Canadian League meetings during 2017, he also made history in becoming just the fourth Australian to contest a NASCAR event, making his debut in the NASCAR feeder Truck Series at Eldora last July.
In an experience he described as ‘unreal’, having initially qualified 22nd, Johnston moved up to be running inside the top 10 before crashing out in his Chevy Silverado.
Having run a handful of Sydney sprintcar meetings earlier this season, Johnston is looking forward to contesting the Kings and 2018 Australian title meetings at Mt Gambier’s Borderline Speedway, with the Grand Annual Classic at Warrnambool sandwiched between.
“I have always found Trevor Green a great guy to race against during my earlier days, and to be offered the chance to drive for him is something I’m really excited about,” Johnston suggested.
“There is plenty of respect for Trevor as a driver, and I’m certainly keen to draw on his experience and use him as a bit of a mentor over the next few weeks.
“Warrnambool is a familiar track to me, this will be my fifth Classic, with a best previous effort of 11th in the A-main.
“I have only run the Aussie title once before so I’m pretty keen to get out and have another crack.
“It’s a great opportunity and I must again thank Trevor, while Simmons Civil, Motoradco and Flair Dancewear have also been strong personal supporters of my racing career.”
The Kings event is set down for this Thursday night (January 18), with the Classic staged from January 19-21, while the 2018 Australian sprintcar championship will be held over January 25-27.
Supporting Green Brothers Racing 2017-18 campaign are: Natrad Radiators and Auto Air, SA Motorcycles, Active Vac, Vin’s Mini Buses, Steve Wicks Powder Coaters, Titan Garages And Sheds, Monster Slam, Go Left Designs, Florite Coatings, Freightmasters, Green Welding, Dennis and Dottie Farr, Murray Machining and Sheds, Vortex Wings, BJ Signs and GI Safety Solutions.