HE may only be ten years old but Zane Williams is already grabbing attention in the world of motor racing.
The Tynings Primary School pupil has recently begun competing at a national level in go-karting, and in his very first race, he finished in second place behind the previous year’s champion.
He has also joined a team run by a mentor of current Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris.
Zane got the karting bug visiting the indoor Absolutely Karting circuit in Speedwell during the school holidays last year.
He started outdoor racing a few months later and is now taking part in two contests: the National Karting Championships (NKC) and Forest Edge Championships.
Mum Natalie said: “He loves it – doing 65mph on a seat two inches above the ground, feeling every bump.
“He’s definitely got a natural ability.
“He never even played with cars when he was younger, but this is his passion. If he isn’t racing, he’s watching karting or driving a simulator.
“People have been telling me he’s exceptional for his age.
“It has been inspiring to watch, and we’re incredibly proud of what he’s achieving.”
At his first NKC race Zane had to start at 19th as a novice, but finished second. He has picked up a trophy in five out of six races so far.
Dad Bob, who is an F1 fan, has had to learn to be Zane’s mechanic and takes him to practice.
Zane said: “I love go-karting because it’s very fast, competitive and fun.
“This season I want to win the National Kart Championship and hopefully get as many trophies as possible.
“In the future I would love to move into cars such as GT3 and GT4 – the dream is F1.
“I would still like to do a bit of karting for fun!”
Zane has joined the Poole-based kart team BKC Racing, where Lando Norris started his racing career.
Owner Rob Dodds has been coaching Zane over the past six months.
He said: “Zane impressed me that much that we entered him into the National Kart Championship 2026.
“Zane is testing and racing most weekends and already is showing his potential – he is currently leading the championship, which is amazing as it would normally take a few seasons just to be competitive.”
Zane and his family attended a winter testing session run by BKC in Valencia, to prepare for the new season.
Rob said: “I look forward to coaching Zane as I feel, with the right financial support, he can go all the way – there’s not many drivers I would make this statement on.
“Zane is a very nice young man and is 100% focused on success, as we are.”
For more information about Zane, visit zanewilliamsracing.co.uk.