Special incentive for Dunlop Grid Kids in Bathurst return

Two Canberra karters are set for a weekend to remember at this weekend’s Repco Bathurst 1000.

Teenage sisters Addison and Imogen are two of four young motorsport enthusiasts to step onto the grid for the final round of the Dunlop Super2 Series and Repco Supercars Championship.

The opportunity is part of the Dunlop Grid Kids Program, working with Karting NSW, where fans aged 12 to 16 get to represent Dunlop on the starting grid as brand ambassadors.

With behind-the-scenes access including garage tours and team meet and greets, the young fans meet their favourite drivers and gain valuable insights into a live race event.

"I can't wait to be a Dunlop Grid Kid at the Repco Bathurst 1000," said Imogen.

"It’s an opportunity I never thought I would experience, then to play a part raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research, was extremely fitting.

"Like many families, very important people in my life have suffered from breast cancer and to assist to raise funds for research means a lot.

"I feel extremely proud and honoured to be selected.

"I can't wait to see all the cars racing at Mount Panorama, as it’s my goal to be out there one day too."

Younger sister Addison added: "I'm extremely excited to have a Dunlop Grid Kid experience at the Bathurst 1000.

"Some of our family members have suffered breast cancer so this means a lot to them and me.

"I can't wait for this opportunity to be standing on the Supercars grid with the cars and drivers and to learn even more about motorsport."

They will be joined by Jett Kocoski from the Canberra Kart Club and Jack Hayes from Orange Karting Club.

This year sees Dunlop partnering with National Breast Cancer Foundation to raise funds for breast cancer research.

During the Repco Bathurst 1000, Dunlop will donate $50 for every pit stop by every Supercar during the race.

The brand will also don pink flags and caps to raise awareness of the initiative.

It comes as the Dunlop Grid Kid program celebrates its 20th year at Mount Panorama, and Dunlop’s 20th year as the control tyre of Supercars championship.

"Dunlop Tyres has a proud history supporting motorsport and emerging motorsport talent," said Tony Kiernan, Dunlop Motorsport Brand Manager from Goodyear & Dunlop Tyres Australia.

"We are excited to be leading the way by creating amazing experiences for Dunlop Grid Kids.

"Dunlop’s program is a fantastic chance to provide the future talent of motorsport – like Imogen, Addison, Jett and Jack - a glimpse into the Supercars paddock where they can mingle with their heroes."

Supercars General Manager Commercial Jamie Black is thrilled that Dunlop is leading the charge and committing to the family-friendly celebration that is the Supercars Championship.

"Many of these Grid Kids will have experienced the thrill of the track through their local karting clubs so to give them an experience like this on the starting grid at our events will be something they will never forget," Black said.

If you’d like to join Dunlop’s Bathurst pit crew in helping to raise funds for NBCF’s fundraising for game-changing breast cancer research, you can donate here.

For the latest updates on the Dunlop Grid Kids and Dunlop 20th anniversary at Mt Panorama, like and follow Dunlop’s social channels.

Supercars will hit the track on Thursday for Practice 1 at 10:00am AEDT. Click here to view the track schedule.

Every session of the event will be broadcast live on Foxtel (Fox Sports 503) and streamed on Kayo.

The Seven Network will provide live free to air coverage of the event. Tickets for the event are on sale now.