The death of Mount Maunganui teenager Samantha Mouat at Easter when she was racing in the mini-stock event at Kaikohe has drawn the public's attention to the risks of speedway racing. In New Zealand, a person is allowed to start driving in this event at age 12.

SunLive visited Devonport Road to ask people in the area how appropriate they thought it was to have 12 as a starting age in mini-stock racing.

They need to be a bit older, 14-15.  When you are older you have more control and skills.
Luke Pearson, Tauranga

I think that is way too young, it should be 18 or above.
Jennifer Taylor Moore, Tauranga

Yeah it is. If they are going to start in any sport they have to start young if they are going to peak in their 20s.
Ryan Eston, Tauranga

I just reckon it is people's experience. Maybe a bit older, 14 or 15.  12 just seems a bit young.
Sheena Malloy, Greerton

12 does seem a little bit young. Maybe it should be the same as the driving age, at least then they have some idea of how to drive a car.
Phil Snow, Mt Maunganui

It is a hard one, if you have all the safety gear then you might think it is ok, but it appears to not be that safe.  12 is a bit young. My son is racing too.
Lynette Cuthbert, Tauranga

No, far too young. They don't have any sense of responsibility or reflexes, if they get into a situation they can't really cope with.  16 perhaps, I wouldn't like anyone from my family going at speeds under that.
Jean Hodges, Tauranga