Some teenagers dream of driving a car when they turn 17, but Cameron Crockett has bigger ambitions. The 16-year-old from Radstock is gearing up for a race in an electric kart that can go faster than most cars on the road. He will fly to Bahrain next week to compete in the Rotax Grand Final, a prestigious international karting event that pits him against the world’s best drivers.
The Rotax Grand Final will be held in Bahrain from December 1st to 10th. He will represent England in the E20 class, which features electric karts that reach speeds of up to 135 km/h (85 mph).
Cameron, who has ADHD and autism, inherited his grandfather’s passion for motorsport and has been karting since the age of five. When he was two and a half years old, Mobility began building a custom metal cart powered by his scooter’s engine and riding around the yard. He got his MSA kart license at the age of six and has continued to race in national events ever since.
He recently left Norton Hill School after passing his GCSEs and is now studying Motorsport Engineering at Chippenham University, one of the few universities in the country offering this course. He aims to continue his studies at university and pursue a career in motorsport. He currently showcases his work with local karting team, Attaq Motorsport.
His ambition is to compete in single-seater races such as Formula Ford. His grandfather, who has supported him with karting all his life, says he has to find someone to fund it.
This summer Cameron took part in the Rotax Max Euro Challenge, racing in the E20 class at the PFI circuit, the UK’s only international karting circuit. These electric karts cannot currently be raced outside of the Rotax Championship. His PFI appearance earned him an invitation to Bahrain to compete in his E20 class at the Rotax World Grand Finals.
He was only invited three weeks ago and is leaving this Friday, so it was a last-minute surprise.
His mother Liz Teal said: He had to pick up his England team suit from Silverstone at the weekend, which had to be specially ordered and made in Italy.
“I also needed a new helmet as my previous helmet was old and scratched. Most other drivers competing in the World Final would have worn custom-made helmets that were professionally painted. His family were able to raise £400 towards the purchase of a new helmet through GoFundMe, and local helmet painter Michael Burnett (RMP Helmets) from Melksham offered to paint it for free for a limited time .
“They were on display at Silverstone over the weekend. Cameron also needed another set of straight-arm glasses to fit his new helmet, so Maxim Optical Eyewear donated these and coated the glass for him.
She added: “If any other local businesses would like to get involved and sponsor Cameron, please let us know.”
He was given a free taxi ride from Trowbridge to Heathrow with his grandfather, courtesy of Tubbs Cars, and is ready to fly to Bahrain.
Liz added: “He is most looking forward to racing in another country against international opposition, including former world karting champions.” He is very grateful to his grandfather for making his dream come true. He also thanked Jag Rotax for inviting him to the event and giving him the opportunity.
“He has battled with ADHD and autism throughout school, but thanks to the support of Fosseway and Norton Hill School he has managed to pass his GCSEs. GoFundMe sponsors include primary school teachers at Welton Primary School are included and they still support him.
“He never gave up on his dreams, even when things didn’t go well. His grandfather supported him in karting, which helped Cameron learn discipline, focus, and determination. He enjoys making friends and meeting people with similar interests at the track. It has kept him from becoming socially isolated and without karting he is completely I think he was feeling lost. Being able to focus on something and be successful built his self-esteem and self-discipline.”
His grandfather added: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent your country at an international sporting event and we cannot afford to let it pass. “The opening parade will take place at the Bahrain Grand Prix Circuit next to the karting circuit.”
Event details are available at https://grandfinals.rotax-racing.com/ and will be live streamed on YouTube.