Matthew Graham in tracks of F1 hero Lewis Hamilton

Nov 11 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

A SPEED demon schoolboy is being touted as the next Lewis Hamilton after collecting more than 80 trophies.

Matthew Graham, 12, of Edmondbyers, County Durham, has amassed the trophy haul in a two-year karting career.

And the Ponteland Community Middle School pupil dreams of one day being the next Formula 1 World Champion just like his idol Hamilton.

The youngster races under the number 44 – as did Hamilton – and he has his father on board as his trusty mechanic.

Last week he clinched the London Cup on the same track where F1 sensation Hamilton made his name as a novice.

Now the 12-year-old, who races in the MSA British Cadet Championship, is planning to turn professional as soon as possible and compete on the world stage.

Mum Val, 44, who owns and runs her own business, said she was only now getting used to watching him race at death-defying speeds.

She said: “It makes you feel sick sometimes, but I’m getting used to it now. He’s a very modest boy and he gets quite shy when you talk to him about it.

“I always take photos in to his school and he has to stand up in front of everyone. We are really proud.”

Matthew currently races in karts which can reach 60mph. He travels all over the country scooping cash prizes and even won a mini-motorbike after his win at the weekend.

Matthew said: “It’s going pretty good. I’ve just won the London Cup and it’s quite a big event because you win a motorbike.

“Since I started two years ago I’ve done really well. I’ve won something like 80 trophies. I want to get into Formula 1. I watched the big race and I thought Lewis was very lucky to win it.

“But I really want to follow in his footsteps and do what he has done. It was nice to race on his home track and to win it – it’s the first time I’ve raced there. It’s quite exciting knowing that you are racing on the same circuit as someone like Hamilton.”

His father Les, 57, was a rally driver until an accident cut short his career.

But now the racing veteran is predicting Matthew could be competing on Formula 1 circuits across the globe in the next six years. He said: “Everyone who sees him just comments on what a good driver he is. He has had a good season, but he was forced off the track a couple of times and was quite unlucky.

“But I think if things go well, then he could be driving Formula 1 cars in six years’ time. I never get to race against him, but he’s pretty quick.”

Hamilton, 23, began racing go-karts when he was just six. He is now the youngest World Champion in Formula 1 history.