Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Co-ordinator

HE IS the youngest of three children for his father, Peter McConnell, but while his older sister and brother, Rebecca and Stephen, choose equestrian as their hobby, 10-year-old Fraser has opted for motorsport.

"I don't like horse-jumping and those sports, it's too quiet and there is no speed. I love motor racing because it is exciting," the pint-sized go-karter said, with a broad grinned.

Attired in his karting suit, the youngster spoke with Automotives on Thursday, just minutes before he departed for the Palisadoes International Raceway, where he has been practising hard.

Dream

His dream is to make his debut at Jamaica's premier motor racing circuit - Dover Raceway, St Ann, or in one of the Formula One events overseas. While he is aspiring to become a professional race driver, his ambition is really to become an engineer.

"For me to achieve this, I know that I will have to train very hard," said young McConnell, who is yet to take the chequered flag at the Palisadoes International Raceway.

Reports are that he has been improving his lap times, in preparation for the next karting meet, which is scheduled for March 1.

"It is going to be hard to win, but if somebody spin out, then I might have a chance," he told Automotives.

Getting hooked

According to his father, the fifth-grade Hillel High student got hooked to motorsport since he was six years old. At that age, he began learning to ride a motorcycle. His interest in karting developed last summer when he attended the Jamaica Karting Association (JKA) International race meet.

"We were impressed with what we saw and so I decided to give him an opportunity to compete," McConnell.

Like every other parent, Peter McConnell heart's skips a beat, while watching his son manoeuvring the challenging terrain in the 80cc Class.

"Yes, I do get a little nervous at times, but I know that he is safe, because of the measures put in place by the JKA," the older McConnell said.

Fraser has since competed at three race meets and has been kept busy at the track, training at least twice per week, under the watchful eyes of his coach, Peter Rae.

"This youngster has a lot of talent and is definitely one for the future," his coach, Rae said.