Young driver in the fast lane

There’s fitness and technical knowledge in William Ruffell’s chosen sport, but most of all he likes ‘‘to go fast’’.

The young Marlburian first took up KartSport about two years ago following a family passion for ‘‘racing anything with a motor’’.

William, 10, trains every week in his kart but often does not get the opportunity to race unless he is in a competition.

He had just started in the VMR class and will travel to Christchurch from April 9 to 12 to compete in the KartSport NZ national championships.

Most of his training consisted of getting used to the forces of the kart and learning the technical side of the sport.

William said he could reach speeds of up to 90kmh on a straight.

‘‘It’s really fun – because it’s good fitness turning and using my muscles,’’ he said. ‘‘I like to go fast and getting past people, and trying to get to finish line first – but I don’t all the time.’’

He said the hardest part of the sport was having to watch other drivers while racing them.

‘‘So when there’s a crash, you need to slow down and go past each other,’’ he said.

Between new tyres and engines, each weekend of racing could cost around $2000.

This weekend a fundraiser would be held to raise money for

William to get to nationals.

Tickets for a raffle will be on sale outside Countdown Redwoodtown on Sunday, March 8 from 8.30-3pm.

First prize is a pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses valued at $299, second is a summer BBQ pack including Meaters vouchers worth $125 and a $50 Countdown voucher; third prize is a Metric 54 piece glovebox tool set, valued at $120 and a $50 Mitre10 MEGA voucher, and fourth prize is a $25 Stadium 2000 family pool pass and a $50 Subway gift card.

SUPPLIED William Ruffell (left) has managed to pave his way to Nationals.