“People can be any age and do well in any sport,” says determined 10-year-old Costa Toparis, after placing second at the go-karting state championships.
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The confident young racer recently returned from Picton on the weekend and plans to one day compete in the MotoGP Grand Prix series when he is older.
Having won first place in the NSW Kart Championship last year in the Cadet 9 league, a competition for more junior riders, his father Con decided put him in the Cadet 12 series earlier than usual.
Despite receiving penalties and being held up at the start of the final race, Costa was still able to place higher than most.
Con said most of the competitors Costa raced were physically stronger than him and more experienced.
“The big achievement is what Costa has been able to achieve this at just 10,” he said. “He has been achieving all year. He also came fourth in the nationals three weeks ago against the same age group.
“It is not that the majority of the frontrunners are 13 years old, it’s the fact that most started at Costa’s age.”
The big achievement is what Costa has been able to achieve at just 10
- Con Toparis, father
It is clear, however, the disparity in age is more of a challenge than an inhibition for the aspiring racer.
“I wasn’t scared,” Costa said. “They just have more aggression and less fear because they know a lot more experience.”
Costa began riding motorbikes when he was age two and initially trained by Con, who also raced motorbikes growing up. About two years ago, Costa began riding karts and is now mentored by former Australian champion Shayne Piper.
Costa’s go kart, a 900 chassis, goes up to maximum speeds of 100km/h and has technology that allows him to study his analytics at the end of races.
His father says Costa will continue to learn the craft of racing before graduating from four to two wheels.
