06/10/2026
This little guy is fast and he knows exactly what he wants. The journey has been a fun one and no matter the result we are so proud of Emerson and the hard work he and his family have put into this year.
CADET 9 – EMERSON MILLS – “I’VE GOT NOTHING TO LOSE!”
Sitting just five points behind series leader Max Gosling, Emerson Mills’ results across the Cadet 9 Penrite Australian Kart Championship have set the stage for a nail-biting final round.
The Mackay based nine-year-old started the season conservatively, filing an 8th place finish at Coffs Harbour, however the following three rounds produced a 4th and two 3rd place finishes, adding to his consistent points building in heat racing.
“I’ve got nothing to lose,” he says when considering his attitude to the final round in Bolivar. “I’ll just do my best and see what happens,” with his father Nathan adding that “he’s already exceeded our expectations.”
Known affectionately as “Boo,” Mills rates himself as resilient when racing doesn’t go to plan but admits that starting from pole in Townsville but finishing 3rd still stings.
“I’ve led two of the finals this year but have only got two thirds, so that has been disappointing,” he says, “especially in Townsville after I won three heats and started off pole.”
But despite ‘what could’ve been,’ the freshly crowned Queensland Champion is enjoying the feeling of heightened confidence as the final round approaches.
“I race against Harry (Lack) more than anyone in the AKC and I beat him at Bundaberg for the state title so that was good for my confidence.”
Emerson is the younger brother of Aston who currently suits 8th in the KA3 Junior standings, and neither of the brothers have raced at the track hosting the grand final.
“We’ve never been there,” Nathan says, “but both boys are pretty good at adapting. You’d think that Townsville would’ve been a home track advantage for a north Queenslander, but that was only the second time for Emerson and third time Aston had been there, and they hadn’t been to Seymour before either, so they both did really well.”
In preparation for Bolivar, the boys have been spending time on the simulator, but Emerson is quick to point out the limitations.
“It doesn’t really give you much of an idea, except it helps you get used to the track shape and gets you used to the corners, but that’s about it.”
For their entire karting journey, the Mills boys have enjoyed the support of Dave from DavKat, Warren from Light Vehicle Solutions along with Troy and Lorraine Farley from TF Race Engines.
“They’ve been there since the beginning so winning a championship would be just as much for them as it would be for us, so we’re really thankful for their support along with the rest of our sponsors.”
South Australia’s Southern Go Kart Club at Bolivar will host the final round of the Penrite Australian Kart Championship on October 16-18, with free entry for spectators.
7Sport will broadcast the final on the 7Plus platform from 12pm on the Saturday and 11am on the Sunday.
Pics: Pace Images
