KARRATHA’S YOUNG RACER TAKES ON AUSTRALIA’S BEST
By Asad Khan and Marli Ryan
At just twelve years old, Karratha’s own Judd “Juddy” Rowland is fast becoming one of Australia’s brightest young talents in go-karting.
The St Luke’s College student recently represented Western Australia at the Stars of Karting event in Melbourne, one of the nation’s most prestigious junior motorsport competitions held during the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix week.
The event brought together 100 of the country’s top young drivers, and for Juddy, it was a chance to measure himself against the best. Competing on new tracks and against large, aggressive fields, the young racer showed composure well beyond his years.
“Up here I’m pretty quick, but over east it’s completely different — there’s grids full of 40 karts, big teams, everyone’s a lot more aggressive,” he said.
A PASSION IGNITED FROM A FAMILY DAY OUT
Juddy’s journey began with a simple family outing to an indoor karting centre.
“I really enjoyed it, my sister not so much,” he laughed.
“Then I asked if I could try a real one, and we just bought a cheap kart and some gear. It just came from there.”
Since then, he has gone from small local meets to competing against hundreds of skilled drivers across Australia.
Earlier this year, he finished second at Mount Gambier and won at Bolivar in Adelaide, both key national races showcasing his growing talent.
A FAMILY COMMITMENT TO A BIG DREAM
Behind every young racer is a dedicated team, and for Juddy, that’s his family. His father, Kieran Rowland, admits it’s both nerve-wracking and rewarding to watch his son race among the nation’s elite.
“It’s nerve-racking to start with, but once he’s out there, you just have to trust his ability,” he said.
“We’re always proud. When we first started on the East Coast, he was running near the back, but now he’s right up the front against kids who race every weekend.”
Competing nationally from a regional base takes sacrifice. The Rowlands regularly travel thousands of kilometres and spend long periods away from home to help Juddy chase his dream.
“It’s a lot of time away from work and family,”
“Go-karting’s known as a bit of a millionaire’s club, and we’re certainly not that, but we’ve had amazing support from a local Indigenous family and sponsors like Paula White and PMW Industries who believe in Juddy’s potential.”
COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUELS SUCCESS
The Rowlands’ partnership with PMW Industries began with a chance encounter at Nanutarra Roadhouse three years ago. Kieran recalls the day vividly.
“A man named Ben Jeakings approached us after seeing the kart in the trailer,” he said.
“He told Juddy, ‘If you want us to sponsor you, you have to make the call yourself.’ When we got home, Juddy rang the number and spoke to their team — and they’ve supported us ever since.”
That call taught Juddy one of the most valuable lessons in motorsport — confidence and communication matter as much as speed.
“They’ve become like family to us,” he said.
“Their support means the world.”
MORE THAN JUST RACING — LESSONS IN RESILIENCE
For Kieran, Juddy’s story represents what’s possible for young people in regional areas who have big dreams.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re from; if you’ve got the passion and the drive, you can do it,” he said.
“We might not have the same opportunities as city kids, but that doesn’t mean we can’t compete with them.”
Even when races don’t go their way, the lessons remain. At the recent state titles in Perth, Juddy showed strong pace but was turned around by another competitor in the final.
“He was fast enough for a podium.”
“It didn’t end how we hoped, but seeing the support he got from people at the track showed how respected he is. He’s more than capable.”
THE ROAD AHEAD
Now entering the junior class, Juddy’s next challenge is racing at the Bunbury Coastal Classic, one of WA’s major state series events. The step up brings faster karts, fiercer competition, and bigger goals.
“It’s a big step up, but we’re looking forward to it,” Kieran said.
For Juddy, the motivation is simple.
“I just love cars and anything with engines,” he said.
“It’s a cool place to be — hanging out with friends and racing. I want to keep getting better, and hopefully one day, race internationally.”
With speed, skill, and a strong community behind him, the young driver from Karratha is proving that even in one of Australia’s most remote regions, ambition can go the distance.
Listen to Ngaarada Media’s Marli Ryan speak with Juddy and Kieran Rowland: