Published: Wednesday, 20th August, 2008 12:30
Alloa's Sam karts off Scottish title
By John Simpson
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Scottish karting champion Sam Moffat.
AN ALLOA teenager has just achieved one of his major ambitions by coming first in the country at his favourite sport.
Sam Moffat (15), who has been a Karting fanatic for six years, held off all challengers to win the Scottish Association Karting Club Junior Rotax title in what was the best achievement of his young life so far.
The Dollar Academy fifth year pupil is now faced with the decision on whether to concentrate fully on studying for his Highers at school, or throw everything towards pushing on and challenging for the British title next year.
Sam, who lives at Gean Road in Alloa, told the Advertiser, "It was a really good feeling when I won the championship. My grandad Archie – who is my mechanic at all the races – has been wonderful throughout all the meetings.
"When I went into the last round leading by four points we both really wanted to make sure I would finish in top position."
The competition started with races at Golspie, Banff, Crail then back to Banff, Crail and Golspie again.
Sam said, "I went into the last round just four points ahead of my nearest rival Craig Finlayson, from Invergordon, but I managed to win it in the end."
It all started for Sam when he was only nine years old. Dad David bought him his first Go-Kart as a Christmas present and everything fell into place after that.
But it has been a long slog for the youngster, with lengthy practice sessions at Crail (where he joined the ESKC) and at Larkhall.
Sam said, "I have previously competed in the Scottish events finishing twice in third position but this time I managed to end up winner – a great feeling.
"I also finished third in the one-off Scottish Open Meeting at the same venues and dates, to gain my Scottish A Plate.
"I was honoured to represent Scotland in the International Challenge in Llandow Wales in 2006 and in the NKRA finals at Glan-Y-Glors."
Sam is now aiming higher in the new year when he will be having a serious shot at the British title.
He said, "If we succeed with sponsorship my grandad Archie and I hope to enter the British Open among competitors from all over Britain.
"Top International motor racing champions Lewis Hamilton and David Coultard started as young Go-Kart drivers so I would love to be able to follow them and reach that level.
“The current British Go-Kart leader has spent around £100,000 on travelling, expenses and engine fitments, so it is an expensive sport," added Sam.
Grandad Archie, who is with Sam all the way, said, "In preparation for the Scottish victory I spent £500 and it will be considerably more when the British meeting comes around.
“The kart needs to be fitted with a new set of tyres for every meeting, which costs £110, then the kart will burn five gallons of petrol every weekend. Other replacements include a lot of chains, sprockets and bearings, so it all mounts up."
But Sam also wishes to complete his studies at Dollar with a measure of success.
He said, "When my schooling is over I hope to be involved in some form of motor sport, preferably as a driver. I would also like to pass my exams for the Motor Sport College at Preston."
The Moffats are currently trying to secure sponsorship to help with the big British event. Anyone who can assist in any way should telephone Archie on 217120 or Sam on 720014.
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Alloa pick up first away point