Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

ALTHOUGH HIS ambition is to become an engineer, eight-year-old Jonathan Law is aspiring to emulate Britain's Formula One race driver, Louis Hamilton. The young go-karter said he is motivated by Hamilton's achievement.

"Louis Hamilton, he never gives up and he knows what he is doing, I think he is a great person," said Law, who spoke with Automotives, in the presence of his father, Sam, during an interview recently.

The Formula One drivers' profile website says at age 23, Hamilton became the youngest world champion in Formula One history. In 2002, he graduated from karting to a single seater. That same year, he finished third in the Formula Renault series. The following year, he won the Formula Renault title, with two rounds to spare.

Shown potential

With two years' experience under his belt, Law has demonstrated his potential by winning this year's 80cc championship. He has also won over a dozen races since making his debut at the Palisadoes International Raceway, Kingston.

A student of Grace Christian Academy, the young go-karter is hoping to win all the races in his class next year, so he can have a chance of winning the Abe Ziadie Memorial Trophy, which goes to the top driver of the year. One of his teammates, Peter 'PJ' Moodie, was recently named the JKA driver for 2008.

"I want to improve my lap time next year. This year I learned how to overtake on the outside," the youngster said.

His father stressed that karting has helped his son tremendously this year in the classroom.

"He is now able to focus more on his school work. This year I have seen signs of improvement in his maths, languages and integrated science," the proud father said.

2010 could be active

While there are no scheduled plans for him to participate in any overseas race meet next year, his father said 2010 could be a very active year for the young go-karter, who by then should be competing in the Rotax Mini-max Class.

Come next season, he is looking forward to matching his skills against old rivals such as Mark Anthony Eaton, Zac Davidson, Justin and Joshua Sirgany.

Why did they choose the go-kart?

With a broad grin, Sam Law could barely explain why he decided to get involved in this sport.

"I was with a couple of friends one day and when they saw how Jonathan was jumping up and down the place, they recommended that I get him involved in kart racing, something I have not regretted," said Sam Law.

The proprietor of New Life Pharmacy, the elder Lawis also the sponsor of Dane Lawson, another promising go-karter.

"Dane is naturally talented and right now we are trying to shape him up for the Shifter Class series next year," said Law.