A karter from Somerset has competed in his first international race in Dubai. Alfie Garrett, who is nine, was selected to participate in the prestigious Dubai O-plate at the Dubai Autodrome as part of the Mumbai Falcons on January 25.

As part of preparing for the experience, Alfie - who is from Holcombe - was also able to participate in the fourth round of the 24/25 UAE RMC the weekend before.

A kart was custom built for Alfie who tested it from Wednesday January 15 until Friday January 17, with racing at the weekend. This enabled him to practice, get to grips with an unfamiliar track in contrasting temperatures and evaluate his fellow competitors.

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The Dubai Kartdrome has 17 corners and is a 1.2 kilometre international circuit with a tunnel and bridge Alfie drove amazingly. In a grid of 28, he came in first place.

The following weekend was the Dubai O-plate. These nine year olds are normally racing with speeds of 60mph - but on the Sunday there was a problem with the Kart which meant Alfie was down on power and struggling with his straight line speed.

His mum Lisa said: "His team and dad Luke tried everything to rectify the problem but heartbreakingly couldn’t bring the power back up. In the final, Alfie battled on and pushed with everything he had until the very end, showing his undeniable talent and determination. In a grid of 32 he finished an incredible second.

"This lad has an astonishing future ahead of him. He is entered into the Micro Max cadet class for the Full British championship and the Ultimate Karting Championship.

"The next goal is to win these and receive a golden ticket to the world championships held in Bahrain. Alfie is a nine year old full of grit and ambition with the desire to achieve his dreams.

"He is dreaming big, with his skillset and the support of his family and friends there is nothing he can’t accomplish."

Alfie is looking for sponsors to help him on his journey in the karting world and to the next stage of his career. Please contact lisa@garrett-transport.co.uk or follow/message Garrett Racing on social media.”