Rynfield’s Conor Clifford is set to take on some of the world’s best young kart racers after earning a place in the Tillotson T4 Nations Cup in Valencia, Spain.

The nine-year-old South African junior secured his spot at the international showpiece after finishing second overall in the Tillotson T4 Championship, capping a strong season with three consecutive race victories.

The 1CE Motorsport driver was also named Rookie of the Year after emerging as the top performer in his class, earning him the opportunity to compete against young karters from around the world in the T4 series from September 30 to October 4.

“Motorsport is my favourite sport. I want to make it to Formula One (F1) one day,” said Clifford.

His qualification for the Nations Cup adds to an impressive year for the young Rynfield resident, who also finished third in the Africa Cup earlier this year.

Clifford’s love for karting began with an indoor karting session before he attended a practice session at Formula-K Raceway. He was hooked from there.

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“One of my friends had a kart. I went to practice one day and ended up signing with 1CE Motorsport. The journey has been good. The racing has improved a lot since I started.

“In one of my first races, I beat a driver who had more experience than me at the time. In my last race, I came first, and the entire season has been good,” he said.

His father, Dr Shaun Clifford, said the family was proud of Conor’s achievements and excited about the opportunity to represent South Africa on the international stage.

“We are very proud. We are happy and excited for him to go to Spain because he can compete against other nations. We are representing South Africa, so it’s quite an achievement for him.

“Although it’s a junior class, that’s where they usually recruit children from in Europe. That’s where famous F1 drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen started. Hopefully, Conor gets an opportunity at some point,” said Dr Clifford.

Asked about his favourite F1 drivers, the St Dunstan’s College Grade Four learner named Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Williams Racing’s Carlos Sainz Jr.

“I like Charles Leclerc because of his performances and Carlos Sainz because his car number, #55, is also my kart number.”

Clifford now dreams of following in the footsteps of his F1 heroes and one day racing on the sport’s biggest stage.

“It would mean a lot. I would like it because I would be able to travel around the world.”

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