Matty Tipping - UK Karting Sensation!
At the age of 13, Matty Tipping has set the British Karting scene alight in Junior Rotax MAX UK. His electric driving style has won him many fans from all quarters.
Matty got his first kart at the age a 3 which in his own words - 'enjoyed doing donuts on it'.It was a Briggs & Stratton engined Maco (pictured below). Matty's dad Chris recalls - 'It had no solid axle at the rear and therefore one wheel drive. It also had scrub brakes - not exactly a Terry Fullerton inspired design!'
At the age of 12, Matty's talent started to shine through as he took several wins in his Comer S60 and won the Tockworth "T" plate .
After a succession of wins in cadets, it was time to move up into Junior karting. MiniMax was the choice. He gained his first Rotax trophy by finishing in 2nd place at Rowrah against many 'Super 1 drivers'.
Junior Rotax Super 1 in 2005 was the natural progression for Matty and his father Chris. His season had started to build up huge momentum when he qualified 3rd for the A Final at PFI. But an unfortunate incident ruled Matty out of the race, for which he was in contention of winning.
Matty is known for his flamboyant driving and overtaking moves. But in his own words Matty describes himself as Mr Cool
'... with my driving style, I aim to drive fully chilled out, like nothing is really happening, and sometimes I have to change my driving style for different grip levels.'
Click here to check out some of Matty's superb driving on VIDEO
What does the 2006 hold for Matty Tipping?
'My aims for 2006, I'd like to be racing in Europe in JICA or MAX, but rather JICA, and just to have fun.'
Apart form being insanely quick, Tipping can boast to be the coolest looking driver out there. How does Matty think his exuberant visual style affects the other drivers?
Photo provided by Kartpix.net
'My opinion on what other drivers think of my visual appearance? Well, its good now I'm fast. Everybody knows who I am when I pass them.'
Matty's 2005 Super 1 season has gradually built momentum, but what does Matty think of his progression through this season?
'I haven't been nudged or fired since round 1 of Super One at Clay. That was probably because I was a new boy. I was fast at Shenington nobody knew why. I was not good at rowrah because it was wet. I wasn't very good at that stage in the wet. But now I was 1.5 seconds faster at PFI testing to a Strawbs driver when I was driving one handed to improve my steering skills!!.
I'm glad I'm noticeable, because when I'm quick people always come up to me and say you did well then to win that, or you drove well then mate, and if I had none of that, I wouldn't have the confidence I have now!.'
So, the future looks very bright for this young man. His superb driving, and flamboyant visual style has one him many fans, and he is sure to take his form across the waters, and show the European karters what its all about!!
posted by Al @ 5:00 PM
