Richard gears up for road to victory

THE roar of the engine, the vehicle’s unlocked power vibrating through its frame all the while streams of adrenaline course through the driver’s body as they wait at the starting line for the green light.

Others may kick start their day with a cup of coffee, but for Richard Upton, this is just an average Saturday morning.

His passion for the sport of racing sparked when he was just six years old.

His dad is an engineer and was contracted to do alterations on a home and in the garage were two go-karts.

That very weekend they visited the track to watch the guy race and Richard’s older sister, Lara, was keen to join in on the sport as well.

For Christmas that year they each received a go-kart.

“My sister was a lot better than me in terms of confidence but at the end of the year she gave it up. I chose to carry on and, in my second year of racing, competed in nationals. This was when the competitive streak in me came out,” laughed Richard.

His talent was obvious to onlookers as he raced into third pace in the club championship, beating drivers who had years of experience over him.

“I’ve always been a few years behind my competition in terms of experience and try and find some way to bridge the gap. My whole family took the time out and spent every single weekend at the track. My dad saw the determination in me and helped me along the path,” said the humbled Westville Old Boy.

“As much as it is a solo sport, the team that my family have put together and the support they have given me through all of this is incredible. I am thankful they have been with me every step of the way.”

Richard firmly believes go-karting is the best foundation for any racing driver. “It teaches you to carry your speed and the skills needed to drive your car with fine adjustments.”

His mentor in karting is Claudio Piazza Musso, a driver who taught him the fundamentals of driving, the basic rules that go along with it and opened his eyes to the countless possibilities available to him.

Searching for a new thrill, he geared up to INEX Legends in 2016 and is considered to be one of the fastest growing motorsport series in the world.

“At the end of the day you’re going 180 km p/h and you’re only a few centimetres off the ground. It doesn’t really feel fast when you’re doing it,” he shrugged.

“Every single time I sit in the seat or am putting on my seat belt, there is always that moment that the hadedas start singing in my stomach. Over the years you get used to the feeling, but it never goes away. It is both nerve-racking and the best feeling at the same time.”

Richard’s big dream is to one day race in the Formula One big leagues and hopes that his recent trip overseas opens up a few more doors in his racing career.

For now, he looks forward to completing his B-Tech diploma in video technology.

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