Pukekohe motor racing driver Liam Lawson is seeking a little more hometown support as the emerging star chases victory in the New Zealand F1600 championship.
The 14-year old Pukekohe teenager has totally dominated the national Formula Ford series, qualifying fastest at every track so far and bagging 14 race wins from 15 race starts, including both national and regional race series.
However, an unfortunate start to his championship season has stretched his family team’s resources and Liam has launched his ‘Club 500’ supporters group to assist with the costs of his run to the finish.
An engine failure in the South Island at the opening round of the regional series, and also having the family’s newly purchased race car trailer stolen from outside their home just prior to the start of the racing season, has put them on the back foot.
Lawson has responded in emphatic fashion by showing his class over the three South Island racing circuits and is making big impressions on motor racing observers, and competitors.
The Club 500 program is supported both by businesses and individuals, who’ve each pledged a $500 donation towards his racing season and in return, they receive daily updates from each race meeting, facebook updates, invitations to his race meetings and a personal satisfaction from supporting a rising star of motorsport.
“Since late November we’ve been racing in the South Island so there’s been a lot of travel,” said Lawson.
“We’re set to finish the championship with two rounds in the North Island so I’m hoping we can raise a little more money to help us on the home run.”
If Lawson can win the title it will offer him several overseas opportunities including an invite to America to participate in a young driver program and a $US200,000 prize package, and a test drive in Australia.
Lawson’s campaign is assisted by NZ Childcare Finance,
Invercargill Oils, John Edwards Motors, Another Orange Service Centre, Counties Fitness and the supporters of his Club 500 program.
Copies of Liam’s ‘Club 500’ brochure are available in Pukekohe from Liddells Pharmacy and Copy Plus, both on King Street and also at The Post newspaper office.
You can also call Liam on 021 173 3624 — but not during school hours! Or message him on Facebook or email
[email protected]
for more details.
The two North Island rounds are at Taupo on February 4-5 and the final is part of the New Zealand Grand Prix meeting at Manfeild (Feilding) a week later.
Photo Credit: The Post Newspaper