AWMN in Profile: Leah Heeps

Finding Her Place in Junior Formula 500

When Leah Heeps steps into the #141 Junior Formula 500, she’s not just taking the wheel of a race car. She’s stepping into a family tradition, carrying the same determination that fuelled her grandfather, her father, and now her brother. Growing up at the track most weekends, racing wasn’t a question of if for Leah — only when.

By the time she was old enough to drive, the decision felt natural. What came next, though, was all her own: falling head over heels for the speed, skill, and sense of belonging that comes with Junior Formula 500 racing.

“Being involved in motorsport feels like pure freedom and adrenaline,” Leah says. “It’s about pushing myself to the limit, staying focused under pressure, and constantly growing as a driver. Racing makes me feel confident, motivated, and proud to represent women in the sport.”

Her proudest memory to date is etched into history at Bunbury Speedway, where she became the first junior Formula 500 driver to take a feature race win. The significance wasn’t just in the trophy — it was in the celebration that followed. With her whole family there trackside, cheering her on, she felt the weight of a legacy and the joy of making them proud.

Junior Formula 500 is one of the most specialised and competitive youth categories in Australian speedway. Open to drivers aged 12 to under 17, it’s recognised as a critical stepping stone toward senior Formula 500, Sprintcars, and other open-wheel disciplines. In Western Australia, the class thrives thanks to clubs like Formula 500s WA Inc. and venues such as Perth Motorplex, Albany Speedway, and Ellenbrook Speedway.

These cars are purpose-built for performance. Lightweight — between 160 and 250 kilograms — and powered by 500cc motorcycle engines running on methanol, they combine sophistication with simplicity. Chain drive to the rear axle is mandatory, with no differentials or shaft drives allowed. Quick-release steering wheels, roll cages, and strict safety specifications make them as robust as they are fast.

The result? A category that demands mechanical attention, technical feedback, and sharp race craft from its youngest competitors. Heat races, inversion draws, and feature events push juniors to adapt, think strategically, and handle pressure — all while learning the discipline of the dummy grid and pit procedures.

It’s a serious environment, but also a supportive one. Families, clubs, and volunteers come together to mentor the next generation, ensuring that technical learning is balanced with camaraderie. “It’s definitely a family effort,” Leah says.

“From late nights in the shed to parts runs, everyone chips in. Even though I’m the one behind the wheel, it takes all of us to get the car to the start line.”

As one of the few girls competing in the division, Leah recognises the unique space she occupies — but she frames it as part of a collective journey, not a point of separation. “At first, it was intimidating,” she admits. “But I learned to turn that pressure into motivation. Every race has made me stronger, more confident, and more determined to show I belong out there alongside everyone else.”

Her competitors see the same thing her friends do: a formidable young driver who, at just 15, has earned respect on merit. “My friends think it’s pretty cool that I can race a car at my age,” Leah laughs. “And my family are always there, whether it’s helping in the shed or running around to pick up parts. That support makes it possible for me to do what I love.”

It’s often the smallest tools that carry the biggest weight. For Leah, it’s her tyre pressure gauge — a reminder that preparation and detail matter as much as bravery on the throttle.

“The right tyre pressure can completely change how the car feels,” she explains. “It’s the little things that make the difference.”

Like many of her peers, Leah is still a full-time student. Year 9 homework sits alongside race prep and weekends spent travelling for events. Racing hasn’t become her career yet, but it already feels like more than a hobby — it’s the centre of her world.

Her commitment is undeniable. Training, car checks, and reviewing track data are part of her weekly rhythm, layered on top of learning car control, racing lines, and the art of staying calm under pressure.

That work ethic is amplified by the encouragement of her dad and brother, both racers themselves. “They push me to the max,” Leah says.

“The advice they give me is something I’ll keep forever — whether it’s at the track or in the shed. They help me through the tough moments and remind me that if others can do it, I can too.”

Leah’s ambitions reach far beyond Western Australia. Her dream is to race in America at the Tulsa Shootout or the famed Chili Bowl, events that showcase the world’s best in midget and open-wheel racing. She also hopes to step into a sprint car and, one day, capture an Australian title.

For now, she remains grounded — focusing on each race, each lap, and the lessons learned along the way. “Not many people get the opportunity I have, so I push myself to achieve big things, even when I’m tired or don’t feel like it,” she reflects.

She’s quick to acknowledge those who make it possible: Cured Earth, Bennco, RKB Protective Coatings, Pitbull Customs and Classics, All Torque Engineering, Flounce Motorsport, CHR, East Engineering, S&R Wedding Stylist, Transpire Fitness, Fullock Racing, and WA Civil and Stone. “Without my sponsors, I couldn’t do this. They play such a big role in my career.”

For Leah, she is navigating her path diligently, dreaming big and taking each race with the same passion that first brought her into the sport. Her advice to others reflects the lessons she’s already learned: 

“Just go for it. No one is stopping you from doing something you’re passionate about. Whether you’ve got a little or a lot, it’s about finding the right people and sponsors to help you get to where you want to be.”

At an age when most teenagers are still figuring out who they want to be, Leah Heeps already knows where she belongs: behind the wheel of a Formula 500. Surrounded by family, supported by community, and backed by determination, she’s not just carving her own path — she’s showing that the future of speedway is built on collaboration, respect, and passion shared across the grid.