Narrandera’s Jake Myers carries a famous surname in the world of petrol heads and motor sports.
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Now, he’s got the title to back it up.
Myers, 22, created history on Sunday after becoming the youngest ever driver to take out the Summernats Burnout Championship in Canberra, adding his name to the list of winners among whom his father, Gary, holds a special place.
“He’s won it heaps of times, including three times in a row from memory,” Myers said.
“I’ve got a long way to go catching up to him but it’s a start.”
Gary’s status is legendary – the 54-year old won the Summernats Burnout Championship victory in 1992, as well as several Go-to-Whoa wins, the Burnout Championship of the World in 2000 and multiple Burnout Masters crowns – but his son’s achievement marks a changing of the guard.
The younger Myers earned selection in the Burnout Masters qualifiers through a golden ticket earned in January last year and saw off one of the most competitive fields in history for his maiden crown.
Throw in the fact that he did it all behind the wheel of his dad’s 1966 Ford Mustang and you’ve got yourself a fairy tale ending.
“I’ve been trying to get here for about five years and it’s finally happened,” Myers said.
“I got my golden ticket back in Port Lincoln around Australia Day and that got me into the 21 qualifiers for the masters last week, which is basically all the best cars and drivers from around Australia.
“I managed to get through that into a top 10 shootout and ended up going out there (on Sunday) and pulling off the best skid.
“It’s pretty amazing thinking about it – still really can’t believe it.”
The win should come as no surprise with Myers having previously come third in the masters event but it’s nevertheless a sweet, sweet feeling for the young sign-writer.
“I’ve been working full time down in Melbourne doing signs for a while now and travelling back and forwards for competitions and all that stuff, but I won’t have to after this because I’ll get straight entry into next year’s masters.”
“Getting the $15,000 cheque wasn’t too bad either (laughs).”
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