MICHAEL Clemente is making a name for himself in the world of junior go-kart racing.
The 10-year-old Point Cook resident has notched up several podium finishes in recent months and is second on the state leader board for his age group.
Last month, Michael took out two qualifying races before going on to win the cadet class final at the Geelong Kart Club’s Horsepower Heaven event for the second year running.
Michael, who has been racing for four years, said he loved the thrill of racing. “I like moving fast around the track. Every race is different.”
Michael’s interest in racing was sparked by his father, Danny, a self-confessed motor racing nut.
Mr Clemente said he began letting Michael drive dodgem cars at carnivals before allowing him to drive his golf buggy around.
When Michael told him that the dodgem cars didn’t move fast enough, his father knew it was time to buy a secondhand go-kart and let him start racing with the Geelong Kart Club.
Michael said one of the best parts of racing was making new friends with similar interests. He says while racers might be rivals on the track, they are usually good friends off it.
Mr Clemente said racing has taught his son that what happened on the track stayed on the track and that he had to learn to put any differences aside. He also credited racing with bringing he and Michael closer together.
“It’s about going away as father and son for weekends together and growing together as friends rather than just family.”
