YEAR 11 Aquinas College student Alex Barboutis has reflected on being crowned State Champion of the 2016 F1000 series, clocking speeds faster than a V8 supercar during the season in his go-kart.
Alex said it was amazing to win the championship trophy, which was determined by final points over the season, after a hard year of racing.
He started the year slowly with fourth placings in the first two races, but persevered with practice sessions, gym work and sessions with a sports psychologist, all of which benefited him on the track.
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READ NOW“I was then undefeated from Round 3 onwards until the end of Round 6,” Alex said.
“I managed to break the lap record in Round 4, with a lap time of 53.6872 – which is two seconds faster than a V8 supercar.”
“Just prior to Round Four I was also blessed to have my family bring Francesco Sgromo over from Red Bull F1 Racing Italy to coach me for a week and teach me data acquisition.”
Alex, who has been racing go-karts since he was six before adding F1000, hopes to continue gaining experience on the winner’s podium, aiming to contend the Australian Formula 4 National Championship in 2018.
He has already had offers to test for race teams in Asia and Europe this year, but says school comes first.
“God and budget willing I hope to advance my career beyond 2017.
“My ultimate hope for my racing is to reach Formula 1 and become a champion of the world like Daniel Ricciardo.”