MANY Australian racers have jumped from karts to cars, with Supercars driver Cam Waters and Formula One drivers Daniel Riccardo and Oscar Piastri reaching the top racing flight at a young age.

Bright teenager Jackson Griffith has recently jumped to racing cars in the Hyundai Excel Series with Harrietville–based Loc Autosports.

Griffith, who graduated from Wangaratta's Cathedral College in 2021 and is only 19, has been racing since he was 11 after a visit to his dentist piqued his interest in the entry–level motorsport of go–karting.

"When I was nine my dentist had pictures of go–karts on the roof and I asked him what it was about, and he told me that he ran the go–kart club in Wodonga and I'd have to come back in two years and he'd give me a go," he said.

"In karts it is so much fun, but you are in something small and no one will take you seriously," he said

"As soon as you jump into the car people start taking notice."

One of the driving factors for Griffith to get into cars was that the tracks he is racing on are the same as many of his idols.

He has already completed two rounds of the Hyundai Excel Series, racing at Phillip Island in his debut.

He recently completed the round at Winton Raceway, where he qualified in 8th before finishing three out of the four races in the top 10.

Griffith is now focused on ensuring he has a backup in case motorsport doesn't work out for him.

"I finished year 12 in a high standard, so I'm wanting to have something to fall back on if my racing doesn't take off, signing myself up for electrical engineering IT next year," he said.

"But all in all, I would love go to the next step and work my way up to a Formula 3 or Supercar Series 2 with the hope to one day, reach Formula 1 or Supercars."

Griffith will be looking at his next meeting in August when he goes to Sandown, intending to continue his form and finish in the top 10 with the hope by the end of the racing season to take his place back on the podium.