Berry and Nankiville families shine bright on big speedway stage following in their family’s footsteps

It is a family affair at the speedway with the Berry and Nankiville clans from Geraldton shining bright at the State Titles in Bunbury earlier this year, with hopes of continuing their form into seniors.

Jaeger Berry took out top honours at the State titles in Bunbury in February, finishing first in the Junior Formula 125 division, adding to a long line of family pedigree in the sport.

But 14-year-old Jaeger wasn’t the only Berry or Geraldton local to make their mark. His two sisters Hannah, 16, and Mahali, 14, finished fourth and fifth respectively, while fellow Geraldton driver Addisyn Nankiville, 14, finished in seventh out of a field of 16 talented drivers.

The speedway team is spearheaded by the Berry and Nankiville families through the grandfathers of these talented juniors and crew chiefs Neil Berry and Martin Nankiville.

Martin said it was a family affair at the track with both families featuring heavily at meets throughout the season.

“It is a very family-orientated sport here in Geraldton,” he said.

“It isn’t about how deep your pockets are or how shiny your car is, it’s about having a crack.

“It’s also very hands-on, we allow spectators to come and have a look at the cars, jump in them for a photo and talk to the drivers.

“There is something for everyone as a spectator and as a driver.”

Martin said the spectacle that was speedway always impressed newcomers to the track and the sport.

“It is always a real eye-opener for those who come to watching for the first time,” he said.

“Everyone that comes and sees it for the first time is amazed by the talent of our juniors.”

Crew chief and Jaeger’s grandfather Neil Berry has just about seen it all in the sport of speedway, beginning his journey in the sport in Geraldton back in 2004.

“I have nine grandkids that race in the Formula 125 division, so there is a strong family link to the track,” he said.

“I have been lucky with 15 grandkids who have all stepped into a car and started driving.”

The speedway has seen many Berrys come through and prove themselves on the track. In 2020, Jaeger’s cousin James Berry won the Junior Formula 125 State Title in Albany.

On top of this, Jaeger’s uncle Daniel Berry took out the Formula 100 Senior State Title in 2011 on his own home track in Geraldton.

Neil Berry said juniors were vital for the growth of the club.

“Juniors are the building blocks for a successful club here and as out juniors grow up, they take their place in the seniors leaving space for plenty more juniors to come through the gate and get involved,” he said.

The next big meet at Geraldton City Speedway is the Mid West Championships on April 19-20, the Easter weekend, with the speedway preparing to host 14 juniors and 20 seniors from Albany, Narrogin and Perth.