A JUNIOR driver whose family was involved with the genesis of powerboat driving on the Manning River, has won the inaugural Trevor ‘Tracker’ Bailey Memorial Shield.
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Kyle Carle was presented with the award by Steve Hutchen, a close mate of Tracker, during the Taree Aquatic Powerboat Club’s final competition day for the year. He is the great grandson of Allen ‘Bindi’ Carle, a powerboat pioneer on the Manning who won one of the major trophies at the first Manning River Aquatic Festival.
The trophy is a handicap pointscore from the club’s six meetings a year. Kyle is a club junior who races in the J2 class. The award open to junior and senior drivers.
“Anyone can win this – it doesn’t matter how fast your boat is,’’ powerboat club commodore Laurie Dege said.
“It’s all about consistency.’’
Mr Dege said all drivers who compete in club days, whether they’re members or not, are eligible for the trophy.
Kyle is one of eight juniors in the club. Junior drivers start at six.
The club will break for Christmas/New Year now, with the next competition in February. As ever, the major event for the year will be the two-day Easter Classic.
The award is named in memory of Trevor Bailey, a long time club member, who died in April 2016, aged 49.
“Tracker was just one of those people you wanted to have around the club – he was always willing to give anyone a hand,’’ Mr Dege said.
“He is very much missed.’’