By Alesha Capone
Werribee teenager Jake Berias has been named the nation’s top junior drag racer.
The 15-year-old was recently presented with the Australian Junior Dragster Champion 2018-19 award, for the eight to 17-year old age competitors’ age bracket.
“When I knew that I won, it was emotional – I didn’t cry, but I was getting a bit teary,” Jake said.
To win the award, Jake accumulated points as he competed in events across Australia, including three races which he won in Darwin, Alice Springs and Mildura.
Jake said his father and grandfather were both drag racers during their youth.
His family now accompanies him as he travels the nation to compete, sometimes driving up to six hours to reach an event.
“What I enjoy most is probably hanging out with all the people who do drag-racing, their families – and going fast,” Jake said.
Jake, who is a member of the Victorian Drag Racers Club, said he hoped to become a professional when he finished studying.
“Hopefully, I can … somehow make my way to America, because over there they do it for a job and they’re racing there every week,” he said.
“I’d love to do that for a job.”
After he was presented with the trophy, Jake gave a speech in which he thanked his mother, father and sponsors including Harley-Heaven Melbourne, Berias D and Sons, Werribee South Farm Supplies and LT’s Egg Farm.
