RIGHT FORMULA - Collin Daley to test drive Formula One car
Published:Sunday | October 9, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator
Ever since he made his debut six years ago at the Palisadoes International Raceway, Kingston, 14-year-old Collin Daley has been nurturing the dream of racing Formula One cars.
Today, that dream is almost a reality. The St George's College schoolboy is among four teenagers selected by the world's popular energy drink, Red Bull, to test drive a Formula One car at the Estoril Race Track in Portugal, between October 18 and 20. The other teens are from other parts of the world.
"We will be leaving the island on Friday for Portugal," Daley's driving coach and mentor, Peter 'Jacko' Moodie, told Automotives last Thursday.
While the youngster has displayed tremendous talent behind the steering wheel of the go-kart, Moodie explained that prior to receiving Red Bull's invitation, Daley has never driven a car before.
"With the assistance of the Jamaica Karting Association and Andrew Jackson, who provided us with a vehicle, we have been teaching him how to handle a car, and he has been doing very well so far," said Moodie.
Next step
And what next if Collin Daley impresses at the trial in Portugal?
"If he does well, we can't say what the next step will be. We just have to wait and see what Red Bull will do," said Moodie, who is retired and still rated among the best race drivers produced in the Caribbean.
With mounting confidence, Moodie believes young Daley will pull it off and create history. He believes karting is the ideal sport to use and develop the minds of youngsters.
"This is the method I have been using to help children. It builds their confidence, make them become committed and dedicated. Jonathan Law is a perfect example. Since he got involved in karting, his performance in the classroom has significantly improved," said Moodie.
Interestingly, British Formula One racing sensation Louis Hamilton began karting at the age of eight.
Looking back at the performance of the Jamaicans at the recently held Pan American Rotax Challenge Championship, Moodie said despite the obstacles encountered on the track, all the Jamaicans drove well.
The top-placed Jamaicans were Daley and Matthew Williams, who finished fourth and seventh, respectively, in the Rotax Junior Class.
"They drove in the rain and Thomas Issa, William Myers, Justin and Joshua Sirgany drove well," said Moodie.