The Hancock brothers, Lucas and Samuel, did western Cape York proud when they took to the track in Darwin for the 2025 NT Dirt Kart Titles at the weekend. Photo: Supplied.
If you were ever curious about how passionate Weipa’s Hancock family are about dirt kart racing, a round trip of nearly 60 hours to be on the starting grid for the 2025 NT Dirt Kart Titles at the weekend should allay your inquisitiveness.
While Lucas, 17, and Samuel, 15, made their trek to Top End Dirt Karts’ Hidden Valley track for the 14-17 August titles showdown at 35,000 feet, father Dave spent about two-and-a-half full days behind the wheel driving from Weipa to ensure the boys had everything they needed to compete.
“I think we drove for about 28 hours (from Weipa to Darwin), not non-stop, on Wednesday and Thursday, and got in about lunchtime Thursday and hit the ground running,” the Weipa Dirt Karts president said.
“We weren’t in an enclosed truck or container or anything, so we had to hit the ground running and strip the karts right down, and then put on their new sticker kits.”
After a successful FNQ Dirt Kart Titles in Weipa earlier this year, Lucas raced in the KT Medium class in the Northern Territory, while Samuel donned his helmet in the KT Light category.
The pair admitted the elevated Hidden Valley track, which features a rise of about six metres, had presented a challenge compared to the flat surface they were used to competing on.
“It’s a really tough track,” Lucas said.
“Even just the race surface is a bit different, and some of the corners are really fast and scary to hit.
“It’s been nerve-racking, but it’s also been a great experience racing against really competitive drivers, and having a look at what the racing scene outside of Weipa is like.”
Ahead of the titles presentation dinner on Sunday night – which Mr Hancock did not get to attend, as he was already hours into his return trip to Weipa – Samuel said there had been plenty of interest show from other drivers about the brothers and their western Cape York home.
“There’s been some questions about the distance travelled, and how different the track is, and the community overall,” he said.
As the boys contemplate their next dirt track challenge, Lucas said the Top End experience would not have been possible without some dedicated sponsors.
“I’d just like to thank our sponsors, Robon Electrical, Junction Engineering, FH Laser Works and Husseys,” he said.
“Without sponsors like them, it definitely makes it hard to get over here and compete.”
Lucas and Samuel Hancock prepare to depart Weipa to represent their club at the NT Dirt Kart Titles in Darwin on 14-17 August. Photo: Supplied.
