The 2017 Indigenous Drivers Series took place at Club Menangle on Sunday 29th October in front of thousands of spectators.
11 Indigenous drivers took to the track, battling it out for the top honours for the KARI J. C. Caffyn Indigenous Drivers Plate. McKayler Barnes drove seven-year-old gelding Gotta Go Artelect to victory in one of the most impressive wins in the seven years this feature race has been contested.
“I won a lady drivers race at Peak Hill but this certainly compares. It’s probably my biggest win,” Barnes said. “This series is great and more people are getting involved every year.”
KARI Founder Paul Ralph delivered a motivational yarn to the drivers before the race. Paul expressed what this meant to the community as well as how this event is inspiring positive change.
“We are very excited to be sponsors of the J. C. Caffyn Indigenous Drivers Plate. The series brings together Indigenous drivers from across NSW to compete for a place in the final,” said Ralph.
“We are also in discussions with Club Menangle regarding possible employment opportunities for our young people. We hope that the event will continue to grow in status in the coming years,” Ralph continued.
This event was an important opportunity to showcase Indigenous excellence as well as achievements. This was particularly significant for Barnes, as she was the only female in the race.
The highlight of the day was witnessing corporate Australia, the elite sporting industry as well as the local community coming together to support a successful event, which is growing in size and location each year.
Check out this behind the scenes videos from the day below: