Bedfordview teenager and karting champion Cameron O’Connor participated in this year’s opening round of the Formula Ford 1600 season.
O’Connor said he took part in the race in order to practice and gain experience.
His family took to the race, held at Zwartkops Raceway, after a karting meeting was postponed at the last minute.
The meeting was to take place in Vereeniging.
The 15-year-old promptly put his Zetec-powered single-seater into pole position by a clear margin.
Being the only one of two of the more powerful cars on the grid, compared to his Kent-propelled rivals, he reluctantly started from the pit lane before storming to two most impressive come-from-behind drives.
“I was too quick. I know it sounds crazy, but the organisers said I needed to start in the pit lane and wait 30 seconds after the last car before I could go.
” I was there to practice anyway and we agreed to do that for the experience, so I drove my heart out – about four seconds a lap quicker than anyone and I managed to get back up seventh in race one and then I did the same in race two and finished sixth,” said O’Connor.
He said he was happy with his pace and enjoyed charging up from the back.
“Thanks so much to the Formula Ford Kent team for allowing me to race and setting the challenge. It was good and I am learning more all the time,” he said.
Come March 20, Cameron has an appointment at the opening of Karting Nationals in Vereeniging.
“It’s a busy time, but it’s a wonderful experience and I am loving every second of it,” he said.
