Keen Keeps It In The Family
Author : Combined Media

Like his brother before him, youngster Michael Keen has created history by winning his first ever state title in the Northern Territory. In a sense, history has repeated itself in less than 12 months for the Keen family.

Daniel ventured up to Hidden Valley last year to gain some experience in the Wingless Sprint division. Facing 27 cars, he won the title at 19 years of age. Since then, he has travelled to every state title in Australia this season and placed on the podium at every one. He was also runner up at the national title at Parramatta Speedway where 86 competitors were in attendance.

Both being dirt track kart competitors for several years, Daniel a current Australian champion, they are very quick learners in the fastest growing speedway division in Australia.

Like Daniel, Michael travelled to Darwin for a learning curve. Nearly 20 competitors were ready to tackle the Northline Speedway circuit. Both of the Keen boys finished their heats in strong fashion, dominating at the front of their fields on their respective races. Michael had drama and hit the wall in his last heat.

After some quick thinking and mechanical work, Michael was able to start the A Main in his place. The race was simply a domination and a dream finish for the Keen fraternity who have only been involved in the sport for just over 12 months.

An elated father, John Keen, was excited with the quinella finish by his two sons.

“I am so happy for the boys. This is a real dream come true for them and our team in such a short time,” he said. “ To have a one, two finish is awesome, especially in Michael’s first year.”

He paid tribute to the supporters of the team. In particular to Ian and Carol Brown at Busselton Building Products who has recently joined the team as a major partner for the coming season.

Bigger brother Daniel will now move into the biggest division in speedway, open sprintcar racing this coming season. Bunbury Speedway Manager, Andrew Roberts, is impressed with what he has seen from the boys in such a short time.

“ These boys are extremely talented and are going to be stars in the very near future,” he stated. “ There’s no doubt that their karting background has helped them, but, to achieve so much in short time is amazing.”

The speedway eyes will be focusing on the boys in the coming season. With big events such as the Wingless WA title and the Australian 360 Sprintcar Championship to be held in Bunbury this year, there will be no doubt the Keen boys will be having a crack at what ever is thrown at them.