RACING America's best sprintcar drivers might be daunting for some.
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Not Brayden Cooley.
The Kirkstall-based driver is relishing the chance to tackle motorsport royalty in the looming South West Conveyancing Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic.
Cooley's entry was confirmed alongside San Diego-based charger Tim Kaeding - a former winner of the prestigious race - and the 21-year-old is now in preparation mode.
"You always look up to those guys (Kaeding). They do 100 races a year and it's going to be a real learning curve for me and the crew," he said.
"To be able to race with guys of that calibre is just really cool.
"I'm looking forward to learning a lot from the experience."
Kaeding will again pilot a car owned by Victorian Wayne Cole.
He will join an already talent-packed field of American drivers, with NASCAR champion Kyle Larson and former winner Shane Stewart among the entries to rival a contingent of Australian hopefuls.
Cooley, a classic rookie, said competing in the race would fulfill a lifelong goal.
"I've been to every classic since I was born," the mechanic said.
"I'm running my own car this year as well which is great. I was running for other people up in Sydney last year so it's exciting to have my own going.
"It's the biggest week of racing for the year in Australia. I can't wait."
Long hours of preparation work await Cooley's small team in the lead up to the Premier Speedway showcase.
"It's really all about car preparation. We'll strip it right down and go through everything to make sure it's 110 per cent," Cooley said.
The classic kicks off on January 24.
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Nick Ansell
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
