Keen karter to tackle world stage
Tom needs cash to get to contest
Keen young karter Tom Bewley is revving to represent New Zealand on the world stage — but he can’t make it on talent alone.
He is the youngest Kiwi driver to win an opportunity to represent the country at the 2018 Rok Cup Worlds in Italy next month.
A battler on the track and the ultimate sportsman off it — 10-year-old Tom needs a substantial sum to go up against the best karters on the planet.
KartSport New Zealand will sponsor $2500 toward travel, accommodation and Kart tyres, but getting to the event on October 10-13, will be a $30,000 exercise.
For the best shot at success, Tom aims to join a proven and already performing team — but this will require extra budget.
A Givealittle page has been set up to help him get there, with $650 raised so far toward the trip.
Tom’s had an incredible year already, taking out three national titles — including the New Zealand Rok Cup, national title [3NZ], and GoldStar series.
At the start of the month, he won the Vortex Mini Rok class at KartSport Hawke’s Bay’s Blossom 50th anniversary.
A Rok Cup final will be held at the International south Garda Circuit of Lonato, Italy, from October 10 to 13.
It’s the most awaited event for Rokkers worldwide, with breathtaking races, meetings and plenty of adrenaline.
His dad Dwayne Bewley says Tom’s determination and focus, even in times of complete despair, has been inspiring to everyone around him, and helped propel the youngster one step closer to his goal of competing in Europe.
The Hawke’s Bay boy first fell into karting after “giving it a go” when he was six — and from that moment on, he’s delivered 110 per cent at every race.
Though still young, he continually pushes to best he can be — with aspirations to become the next Lewis Hamilton and drive Formula One, his dad says.
“Tom has a knack of getting to know everyone, loves to chat and is well liked around the pits.
”Tom needs a big push to cross this international finish line.
“It would be incredible to see the community gather round and make Tom’s dream a reality — so he can fly the New Zealand flag in an incredibly competitive sport.
The funds raised for Tom will help to pay for flights and other travel costs, additional accommodation, food, shipping Tom’s kart and equipment to Italy, and a support/mechanical crew required to race competitively at this event.
■ If you would like to donate, see the Givealittle page: givealittle.co.nz/ cause/get-tom-to-italy