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Birthday bonanza for race ace Ben

28/12/2007

GOBSMACKED was the only word to describe Ben Gibbons when he received a surprise birthday present from his dad Vinny.

Earlier this month, the 12-year-old was presented with a custom built autograss racing car, which left him speechless, an unusual state of affairs for the lively youngster, according to his father.

"It was fantastic. I’ve never seen him stuck for words before," he said.

"He’s normally very talkative and has a cheeky manner, but when his brother Jack and I unveiled the car he didn’t know what to say.

"I had promised him a car so he could join his 13-year-old brother Jack on the autograss racing circuit, but said I wouldn’t have time to start building it until early in the new year. So it came as quite a shock when he got it on his birthday."

The minimum age for competing in autograss racing is 12, so next season Ben will be able to take part in the National Championships and the Autograss Racing League.

After a few months practising in a friend’s field and familiarising himself with his new car, he will be thrown in at the deep end on Easter Monday, as his father explained: "Ben will have the opportunity to get used to the car and then he will take part in a meeting at our local track – Leewood at Manchester Airport on Easter Monday.

"He acted as our mechanic last season, so he knows the lads around the circuit and what to expect."

Ben will take part in five meets throughout the season, including those in South Wales, Scunthorpe, Cambridgeshire and Northern Ireland, so there will a lot of travelling to do. But the team are well equipped to cope with the many hours spent on the road.

"I have converted a coach which was given to me by Rothwell’s of Heywood," added Vinny.

"It will carry all three cars and it also doubles as a motor home, so we should be all right."

The Autograss League meetings see drivers participating in three heats, and a final, with points awarded according to finishing positions.

The points won are added up to decide the season’s overall champion.

The reality has now struck home for Ben as he looks forward to his debut on 24 March.

"He’s always wanted to race, and has been excited about the prospect" said Vinny.

"But since he’s got his car he’s been a little bit quiet, so perhaps the pressure is on. He’ll be okay, though, once he gets under way."