GROVE JUNIOR TEAM LOCK IN 2022 JUNIORS

Oscar Targett in action at the SP Tools Australian Kart Championship

The Grove Junior Team has announced the signing of Karting Australia’s rising stars to join its development program.

Queensland teenagers, Oscar Targett and Mika LeMasurier will join Matthew Payne, who makes his Super2 Series debut this weekend, at the Kelly Grove Racing-run operation.

After requesting applications last month, five shortlisted drivers were evaluated and interviewed to understand where their passions lie as well as their values, fit, and aspirations, according to the team.

The selection board for the development program included Stephen Grove and son Brenton Grove along with Supercars driving standards advisor Craig Baird and Kelly Grove Racing commercial director Gavan Wills formed the selection board.

Targett and LeMasurier have both been prominent in their respective classes at the Australian Kart Championship over the past few years with Targett making an impression as one of the youngest drivers in the elite KZ2 field.

“I’m super excited, Brenton and Stephen have encouraged me a lot today to further my career in all aspects,” said Targett.

“They run a great team here and they are very willing to help me and all the other people they plan on inducting into the Grove Junior Team program.

“I think their assistance will help me throughout, not only the next step in my career, but my entire career and hopefully all the way into Supercars.”

LeMasurier, who finished runner-up in the opening round of the 2020 Australian Kart Championship, is excited about the opportunity.

“I am extremely humbled to be given this opportunity at such a young age. To be selected within the team alongside Oscar and Matt is something I am very excited about,” said LeMasurier.

“I am ready to learn and grow with the team and I look forward to becoming the best driver I can be so I can progress my career in motorsport.

“Thanks Stephen, Brenton, Gavan and Craig for believing in me.”

Racing programmes for the pair are yet to be confirmed for 2022, although team boss Stephen Grove said he’s excited to work with the pair in the future.

“It’s exciting to be able to identify, support and develop young kids into the programme, so to get the two of them is a source of great pride,” said Grove.

“There’s a three-year split between each driver so the ability for each junior to learn off one another is another benefit of establishing the program.

“We are extremely happy with our selections and look forward to supporting their racing programme for 2022 and beyond.”