SCHOOLBOY star Alex Rullo was officially given the green light on Thursday with the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport granting Australia’s youngest ever Supercars driver a full-time racing licence.
In the ultimate present for a teenage revhead, Rullo celebrated his 17th birthday after CAMS gifted his “Super-Licence’’ at Hidden Valley before Friday’s first practice session for Darwin Triple Crown.
“It is a pretty cool birthday present,’’ he said. “Not a bad thing to get.’’
Rullo — who still does not have his P-plates — made history earlier this year when he became Supercars’ youngest full-time driver.
The Perth tyro made his championship debut in Adelaide at the age of 16 when he strapped down for Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport.
Supercars driver Alex Rullo now has his full-time racing licence at the age of 17.Source:Getty Images
Rullo was granted a special licence for his barrier-breaking debut and has had to reapply to drive before each race since.
Not anymore.
“It is good to get it out of the way,’’ Rullo said.
“And certainly a good thing to qualify for the licence. After the first two races the only thing that was holding me back was my age. Now nothing is.’’
A winner at just 14 when he powered his way to a third-tier victory against men, Rullo claimed the licence would not change his approach to racing.
“Really it doesn’t change too much,’’ Rullo said.
Rullo made his Supercars debut at this year’s Clipsal 500 Adelaide. Pic: Tom HuntleySource:News Corp Australia
“It is just another distraction out of the way I guess. For me it won’t be any different for me with the way I approach things. It was just an age criteria things and at the end of the day it won’t change a lot for me expect the application process.’’
With a season-best finish of 20th, Rullo said he was slowly finding his feet in a sport where he is pitted against his heroes.
“I think we are getting to the stage where we can finally start pushing the limits,’’ Rullo said.
“I think the first few rounds was really about finding my feet but I am really looking forward to having a good weekend here in Darwin. We have a bit of a break and I think that will suit us. I want to start finding some good results now and pointing some points on the board.’’
Still in high school in Perth, Rullo said he had not been overawed by his racing assignment.
“I don’t think I have been intimidated,’’ Rullo said.
“You have to gain respect and I really that is what I am trying to do. At Phillip Island I was in P8 and got to race those guys competitively so that was certainly a highlight. That was cool and I think that was the moment I settled in. I think I became just one of the drivers then.’’
Originally published as Youngster Rullo gets the green light
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