Cleveland High School student Oscar Stokell, 12, of Ormiston has wanted to be a racing driver since the age of six, when he learned about speed.
But for now, he has to be content with watching his father Paul Stokell compete as a professional driver, confident that when he learns he will learn at the hands of a master.
Oscar was on the sidelines at the Leyburn sprints on August 18 and 19, watching his father take out first in the Marque sports cars group 2B over 2000cc (log book) category of the sprint, for driving a 2014 Lotus Exige. Stokell was also named in the top five in his second lap of the event with a time of 47.1 seconds.
“I don’t get scared when I see Dad drive, because I know he’s a good driver and has the confidence. He will be fine,” Oscar said.
Stokell is no stranger to the sprints, having raced in the event for the past four years and gaining first in his class and seventh outright in 2017.
His next event is Targa Great Barrier reef, the third of a four-round Australian tarmac championship. Stokell has already raced in Tasmania North West in February coming first in the GT two wheel drive cars and second outright. He finished third in his class and fourth outright in round two and is hopeful of a win at the next event, being staged in Cairns from August 31 to September 2. The fourth is being held in the high country, Victoria in November.
“I am in a good position to win,” he said.
If he does, it will add to his Australian championship list, with wins in 1994, 1995 and 1996 in Formula Holden, in 2004 and 2005 for Nation’s cup and in 2013 for the Australian Mini challenge. He also took out the New Zealand international championship in 1994 and Pan Pacific in 1995.
“Winning Australian championships is a measure of my success as a driver. Your name goes in the record book. My life is measured by this success, not the day to day,” Stokell said.
Stokell has been fortunate to make motor racing his job.
“This is what brought me to Brisbane. I have always chased motor racing. It’s my world. This championship is important to me because this time I am racing my own car,” he said.
Stokell is supported by navigator Malcolm Read and sponsored by Wallace Bishop and Loyal Watches.
