Seven-year-old Seaham racer scoops top karting title

The Seaham youngster recently won the Teesside Karting Sprint Championships in the 160cc cadet section - beating fellow competitors who were much older than him.

Thomas has been a fan of the sport since he was just four years old, but his latest win means he can now compete across the country in the Northern Karting Federation (NKF).

Proud parents Angela and Tom Suggitt are delighted with their son’s achievement.

Angela, 39, said: “We’re so proud of him, he just loves karting and he has progressed very quickly.

“He can reach speeds of up to 60mph in his kart, and sometimes my heart is in my mouth, but he knows what he is doing.

“Afterwards he is always buzzing and to see such enthusiasm and interest is brilliant.

“His most recent win in the Teesside Sprint saw him racing against kids who were 11 and 12. It didn’t faze him though, he just got on with it.”

Thomas, who is in Year 3 at St Mary Magdalen’s RC Primary, is now looking forwards to competing further afield in the new year.

But in the meantime, he will still squeeze in his football training sessions with the Foundation of Light and with the Russell Foster League.

Angela said: “Many of the races take place on Friday, but the school has granted him permission to take part, it’s brilliant that they’re supporting him like this.

“I’m not sure if he wants to be a professional racing driver just yet, but he’s also very interested in the mechanical side of things, so he has a few options for when he grows up.

“We also just wanted to show other parents that this doesn’t have to be an expensive sport to enjoy.

“You can hire carts and buy cheaper ones, it doesn’t have to cost the earth, I think if people realised that then more would get involved,”

The Suggitts are keen to hear from any businesses or individuals who will be able to sponsor Thomas in his next season.

Anyone who can help out should call 07964044246.