KUALA LUMPUR: Youngster Muizzuddin Musyaffa Abdul Gafar will be making history as the first Asian to be honoured as the World Series Karting (WSK) champion when the international karting body hold their annual gala in Venice, Italy, on Jan 10.
Muizzuddin, who will turn 13 in February, will be honoured as the overall champion of the WSK Champions Cup in the 60 Mini class – a title which he won earlier this year.
The Gamoto Racing Team driver will also be honoured as the runner-up in the WSK Super Masters Series, which is for karters under 13 years old.
Gamoto Racing team principal Salvatore Gatto was full of praise for Muizzuddin.
“It is a huge honour for Malaysia. We hope winning this award will fire up Muiz’s motivation and spirit as he goes for bigger challenges in the future.
“Muiz is on the right track in chasing his dream to be a Formula 1 driver. He wants to be like Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. We are trying our very best to help him achieve his dream,” said Gatto.
Gatto added that Muizzuddin made the right decision to go to Europe to improve his driving skills.
“We are happy that he made the decision to compete in Italy. It would be difficult for him to progress by competing in Malaysia. It is much more expensive to compete in Italy, but it provides the best returns in investment,” said Gatto.
Gatto has been working with Muizzuddin since 2012. Muizzuddin was then only 10 and he was accompanied by his mother to all the races throughout Italy.
Muizzuddin did not let his backers, including his father’s close friends, down. He was named the Rookie of the Year in the ROK Cup in his first season.
Next season, Muizzuddin will move up to the KFJ class for drivers between 13 and 16 years old. He will also be eligible to compete in races around Europe.
“Hopefully with the achievements and results, he will get more support financially. I believe Muizz is ready for bigger things in 2015 and beyond,” said Gatto.
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