Kirkham kart ace to face world's best in Portugal

Sam Gornall will drive against some of the world’s best at an international karting championship in Portugal this month.

The 14-year-old has been selected to represent Team GB at the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Portimao on the Algarve.

Sam qualified after finishing fourth in the 2020 British Kart Championships, his first year competing in the Junior class.

Competitions have continued for the Kirkham Grammar School pupil despite the pandemic because they are classed ‘elite’ sporting events by the government.

Sam has been racing since the age of five and finished vice-champion in the Mini Max British Championships in 2019.

Proud dad Mick told The Gazette: “I’ve always been into motorsport myself and race sports cars, and Sam has taken to karting like a duck to water.

“We have dispensation from the government to fly out to Portugal because it is an elite event. Sam will be among 360 of the world’s best drivers from more than 50 countries.

“The Junior class is for under-16s and they race at up to 80mph.”

Sam’s ‘home’ venue is Trent Valley Kart Club in Lincolnshire. Mick explained: “We used to race closer to home in Wigan but Sam needs the right practice and the toughest grid at his level.”

After the eight-day event in Portugal, starting a week on Saturday, Sam’s attentions will again turn to the British Championships, taking place at venues up and down the country from April to November.

For the past three years Sam has driven for the Cole’s Kart Racing Team and he is grateful for the financial backing of local businessman Pete Marquis.