A young go-kart racer from Blackburn is set to take on the world after winning the Micro Max British Kart Championship.
Ten-year-old Laughlin Johnstone certainly made his first-ever career win count as it arrived on the grandest stage of them all – and it ensured that he goes on to represent Team GB at the World Championship in Portugal later this year.
The Our Lady of Lourdes pupil has been racing for three years and took the victory in the British final last month in style to set up a trip to Portimao in November where he will be hoping to guide Great Britain to glory.
After a shaky start it was a clean sweep of race wins – including a mammoth 11-second victory in the pre-final before sealing the deal again in the final.
Speaking to the Courier, mum Kirsty McLaughlin said: “It was his first win. He went big for that one.
“He had a really impressive weekend. He qualified in fourth place after a bit of a blip in the first race and then won the remaining races.
“The final was a very good race. There were three riders out in the lead but he was in front and then made a wee mistake with about three laps to go and got caught up but then he recorded the fastest laps in the second last and final laps to get the win.
“Portugal will be brilliant and he’ll be up against the best. It’s different because you’ll be racing as a team.”
Laughlin added: “There’s three Micro Max riders from each country driving as a team. It’s going to be a great experience and something new.
“It will be great to go over there. The track’s right next to the Portuguese F1 track as well and it will be brilliant to see that.
“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a few months away and there’s still plenty of time to improve, as well.”
If you are interested in helping sponsor Laughlin, contact Kirsty on 07753 134434 or via email at laughlinjohnstoneracing98@hotmail.com.
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