Karting: 10-year-

old Gartocharn

boy hits 60mph

speeds

Apr 2 2010 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

ROSS Martin is way too young to even begin driving lessons – but the youngster has been whizzing about at speeds of up to 60mph.

The 10-year-old Gartocharn lad has established himself as Scotland’s young karting king, having amassed an amazing 32 trophies from the sport he only got involved in two years ago.

The P6 pupil at Gartocharn Primary School became fascinated by go-karts on a holiday in Cyprus in 2008.

Since then, his passion for the sport has grown into a promising career which, amongst many other honours, has seen him become the first Scot to win the Cumbria championship since David Coulthard in 1994.

And he’s set for races all over Britain and Europe throughout the rest of 2010.

Dad John said: “We were on holiday in Cyprus, staying next to a karting track. We had a shot of one of the corporate karts and that was where Ross’ love of the sport began.

“When we got home, we found out about karting in Scotland, and it has just gone on from there.

“He’s done absolutely brilliantly for his first year. He’s in the age 8-13 category, and missed the first year, so he’s got another two years at that level to continue progressing.

“I don’t think he has any fear about driving at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, or even faster if that were to be the case!”

John and Ross are both members of West of Scotland Karting Club and Cumbria Kart Club, with the youngster winning both championships in his first season.

They also won the Northern Karting Federation’s championship with a round to spare.

Ross has also already been signed by Wigan-based SASMotorsport to compete in the British Championship, and will also compete at a tournament in Belgium in August.

And John even reckons the experience has improved his son’s schoolwork.

He added: “We have also raced at circuits around Britain from Golspie to London with good results along the way, racing older and more experienced boys.

“The British championship is starting this week, and lasts over six rounds, and then we have an event in Belgium in August.

“It’s been a great thing for Ross amongst a fine bunch of people, and it’s even improved his schoolwork!”

Ross Martin has just joined SAS to compete in the 2010 FKS British Championship, follow his racing here.

Ross Martin Cadet Karter

Ross is the newest signing to the crack SAS Motorsport squad and with some conclusive winter testing to get used to his new Wright Garda 7 kart, he will for sure be fighting for A finals in the Stars series in 2010, SAS manager Scott believes with the right approach, attitude and training Ross will be one of the top rookie drivers.

Ross Martin at his first ever race meeting Aug 08