Pocket rocket Thomas Boniface, 12, from New Plymouth will line up for the opportunity of a lifetime later this month as he gets set for his first ever national race meeting in a tin top race car.
Thomas who is a multiple national karting champion got the phone call from Team Kiwi Racing’s David John a few months ago after the team founder had promised earlier in the year that if Thomas won the National Schools’ karting title TKR would support his step from karting to touring cars.
Needless to say Thomas won the national title at his home track in Taranaki in July adding to his already impressive achievements for a 12-year-old and TKR has in turn provided Thomas with the opportunity promised.
Not only has TKR honoured their commitment to the young speedster but David John has also provided Thomas with driver training and mentor support from Kiwi motorsport legend, Craig Baird.
Baird has already spent time with Thomas at Pukekohe Park Raceway assisting him with his driving and track knowledge and will continue to do so as Thomas completes four more test sessions with TKR as well as a minimum of four race meetings with the team over the next 6 months.
“I must say Thomas surprised me from day one with his demeanour and track speed,” said Baird. “He did exactly what I asked him to do each time he went out and by the end of the day we were all impressed”
“When David John first called me to ask if I would be happy to help Thomas I was a little sceptical as I get 100’s of calls from parents and teams each week asking for help. But I also knew David John would not be wasting his time money and effort in supporting Thomas if he did not believe he has the potential to be a top level international race car driver in the future and a driver with the right attitude that Mr John thought deserved such support, ” Baird added.
Understandably, Thomas, a Year Eight student at Highlands Intermediate School in New Plymouth, is excited about the opportunity he finds in front of him.
“I could not believe it when dad told me about the TKR opportunity and then to meet in person David John and Craig Baird, who has been an idol of mine ever since I was young, it was like I was in a dream”
“To be standing in the same pit lane garage with these guys and a TKR car in front of me that they were happy for me to go out on a race track with, was a little overwhelming at first but I soon got into the groove with help from Craig and I think they were happy with how I went by the end of the day,” he said.
TKR’s decision to enter Thomas into the race meeting at the end of this month has been taken after three test sessions and making sure he is ready for the opportunity.
“We all understand he is 12 years-old but his maturity for a 12-year-old is impressive and his level headedness, and willingness to listen and learn make this an exciting opportunity for all involved. After all Scott Dixon started at the age of 13,” said Mr John.
Thomas will line up for his national tin top debut race meeting at the Carters Tyres SI Endurance Series meeting on September 30 and October 01 at Ruapuna Park Raceway, Christchurch.
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