Motor sport: Calvin Watson enjoys amazing season.

Dec 24 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

TEENAGE kart ace Calvin Watson ended 2009 on a high after becoming the first 16-year-old to ever win the British Open.

And the Hamilton College pupil, who is now 17, is so determined to make a name for himself that he’s abandoned a lifelong ambition to become an accountant and is instead pursuing a career in motorsport.

Although he harbours dreams of being a driver, Calvin would be happy to take up any role in the sport and has centred his university future around engineering.

Calvin has amassed an incredible amount of trophies and took the overall 2009 West of Scotland Kart Club Championship among several other prizes.

But the top accolade is the ‘O’ plate he proudly displays after winning the Open.

In order to take part, Calvin moved up to senior level in January – two full years before most drivers make that step.

Mum Cas (47), originally from Burnbank but who now lives in Tillietudlem, near Crossford, said: “When Calvin moved up to senior it was such a big step because he was against drivers who are much older. After a race, they jump in their sports cars and drive home!

“I was absolutely terrified but his coach Duncan White at Saltire Motorsport thought he was ready for it - and he trained David Coulthard.

“For the ‘O’ plate it was a big, big race with 68 people in it. There were two sections and Calvin qualified second in the final.

“He was up against Craig Copeland, who is a professional driver in Formula 3 and was paid to take part, and although it was touch-and-go, Calvin won.

“People like Lewis Hamilton have won that title before when they were young but nobody has ever won it at 16.

“He’s had such an amazing success and has had such a fantastic year – it’s been incredible.”

As is so often the case with motorsport, costs are expensive and Cas is keen to hear from anybody who would like to sponsor Calvin.

Anybody who is interested can contact her on 07709 024888.