Lynne Mowbray Gold Coast teenager Michaella Atkinson comes from a formula powerboat racing family, based in Sydney. Michaella races with her brother Zac in the Formula Future J3 section of the Australian Formula Powerboat Grand Prix, sharing her boat with her brother. Their father Brett (a Formula 2 driver), heads up the Brett Atkinson Racing team. The bubbly teenager has an enthusiastic love for her sport, along with a cheeky, competitive drive within. According to Michaella, there are a lot of girls who race and it is definitely not just a mans domain. “The girls get out there and have a lot of fun,” she said. “Most of us kick the boy’s butts.” The Formula Futures is a great learning experience which prepares the younger drivers for their racing future and gives them an understanding of controlling their boat in the changing water conditions. Even the younger drivers are faced with the dangers associated with the sport however, with the occasional roll overs. “Last year I barrel rolled,” said Michaella. Yet danger put aside, this racing fraternity is just like one big family who get in and help and encourage each other, said racing commentator Craig Lynne. “Michaella doesn’t just race boats – she’s also a budding commentator,” he said.