A KNOWLE go-kart racer has his foot on the ladder to becoming an F1 driver after being crown InKart Junior Champion.
Tom Justice stood on top of the podium at Daytona Milton Keynes for the first time after taking the other two spots previously.
He also finished his first season in the national Club 100 championship at 17th out of around 90 drivers.
Tom got 2025 off to a winning start when he came out on top at the prestigious annual Race of Champions event at Daytona Milton Keynes.
The Arden Academy pupil said: “It was really pleasing to get my first championship under my belt against such a strong field of competitors – I’m generally quite good in wet conditions and luckily (for me if not for those watching!) the weather played into my hands a little, but I still had to get the job done and I came away with three race wins and a number of podiums, meaning I won the title with a round to spare.
“To then go on and win the Race of Champions event in January and take the overall title was the icing on the cake and capped a great 12 months for me.”
Throughout the rest of the year the 12 year-old will be taking another step towards his racing dream by stepping up to join the Juniors in Club 100 as well as competing in the SODI Superchamps championship at Daytona Milton Keynes, putting himself against adults as well as the top juniors.
This year he will also be preparing with his karting academy coach at MPH Karting Academy to either further progress his karting development or even switch to cars when possible in a bid to potentially race Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Donington Park.
Tom said: “I want to get as far as I can in motorsport and, at the right time and when we can secure the investment, I’d love to switch to cars and race on some of the best circuits in the UK, like Silverstone and Brands Hatch, and beyond, to really push myself. Formula 1 is the ultimate aim and I’ll do whatever work it takes to give me the maximum chance to progress.”
Tom’s dad, Kevin, said Tom is working his to make his dream of becoming a F1 driver come true by progressing his karting and driving skills when he can, training in the gym and driving on a simulator when he can to complement his on-track experience.
He added the funding for these opportunities runs into many thousands of pounds.
Kevin said: “We’re very proud of Tom’s achievements to date and, most importantly, love the fact he’s found a real passion which he gets so much enjoyment from. With the results he’s had this year he’s clearly got a talent and we’re keen to support him in maximising his talent and any resulting opportunities he has.
“To be successful in motorsport requires investment, and so we’re keen to partner with local and national businesses to help them achieve their targets while securing Tom the investment he needs to progress.”
For more email [email protected] or call his dad Kevin on 07958 029 034.
