Once racing is in your blood, it's there for life, as local kart racer George Deadman knows well.

Deadman has been racing for seven years and has already been to the kart racing nationals, and will be doing so again later this month.

The 13-year-old Okotokian recently took first place in the Junior Briggs class in the first-ever North of 49 kart racing competition hosted by his home club, the Calgary Kart Racing Club (CKRC), in Strathmore.

"I was starting first place, and the guy in second wanted to go around the outside of me, and I blocked that option off. He got caught up with the guy behind me... He went down to fourth, and I just pulled a 15-second gap, almost 16 seconds," says Deadman describing the last race.

He won six of the eight races, winning by four points at the end of the weekend.

He's now on his way to nationals, the 2021 Motomaster Canadian Karting Championships, again. But he's not the same driver he was two years ago.

"I've learned a lot about racing, competing against other really good drivers. I've gained a lot of skill. I've grown as a driver."

Expenses are high, but Deadman and his father Paul are both very grateful for all the local support they've been receiving.

"Trident Auto Wash is sponsoring me and helping me get there. Some family is helping out as well. It's a really cool feeling knowing that people from your area want to help you," says Deadman.

He's had a blast so far meeting new people in the community as they spread the word and sell Trident Auto Wash gift cards with half the proceeds going towards expenses for the big race, Aug. 18-22.

 

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