12-year-old boy who only started racing during lockdown crowned British Indoor Karting champion
A 12-year-old boy who only started go kart racing during lockdown because his football training was cancelled has Formula 1 dreams after being crowned British Indoor Karting champion.
Speedy Rivenn Welsh said he dreams of becoming the next George Russell and racing around iconic tracks like Silverstone and Monza after clinching his first major victory.
He impressed at the British Indoor Karting Championship in May and June after smashing a track record during the semi-final and beating last year's winner in the final.
The young lad had never been in a go-kart until last summer when he attended his cousin's birthday at the Team Sport indoor karting circuit near Old Trafford in Manchester.
The 'natural racer' said he's 'not scared of anyone' and only wants to go faster.
Rivenn, from Bolton, Gtr Mcr., said: "I had to overtake last year's champion to win which made so happy. It was exciting out on track.
"I want to be a Formula 1 driver, so I can be like George Russell. He can be Mr Saturday and I'll be Mr Friday.
"I just want to go as fast as I can, and I'm not scared of anyone. I think I'm quite a competitive and aggressive driver.
"I like sending it if I can."
Rivenn qualified for the British Indoor Karting Championship finals after smashing a track record in the semi-final race in Nottingham in May after zooming around the track in 41 seconds.
In the final in Warrington on June 6, Rivenn once again came out on top against competitors from across the UK.
The karting sensation had built a considerable lead multiple times during the race, but was called back each time due to red flags.
But he managed to hold on for a priceless victory which bagged him a seat in the outdoor karting Daniel Ricciardo Series - which was founded by the multiple Grand Prix winner.
Speaking of the exciting spectacle, proud dad Anthony said: "He was so fast, he built a pretty big lead but three times there were red flags which brought all the cars back.
"But he kept building and building, and it was a hard-fought victory.
"It was incredible to watch him out there."
The 46-year-old added: "It brought me to tears when he won."
Anthony, who is a driving instructor, said he didn't even need to teach Rivenn how to drive as he was 'a natural on the road'.
He said: "I don't know how I will be able to tell Rivenn to drive slower when he's older. But he's going to have to learn eventually cause he's going too fast now.
"I've taught so many kids to drive, but I've not seen anyone so comfortable on four wheels.
"I've never even had to tell him what to do. He just put his helmet on and started driving off."
He is hoping to help Rivenn fulfil his ambition of driving in Formula 1 alongside other British drivers Lando Norris, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Dad-of-three Anthony said: "I'm so amazed and so proud of him, he's only been doing this for a year and he's already the best in his age group.
"As a parent watching him out there, it's incredible.
"He wants to be in Formula 1 one day, and as a parent I want to make sure I can help him fulfil his dreams."
Anthony is hoping to attract sponsors to make that dream a reality.
He said: "He needs his own car so he can devote more time to it, but he's so determined. The only thing we need now is some support and I know he will make it."
They have set up a fundraising page to help Rivenn buy his first kart, you can donate here: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/british-indoor-karting-champion-to-f1-driver
