Grand Prix Shootout Story

New Zealand's next Bruce McLaren short of funds to follow dream
By NICOLA BRENNAN - Waikato Times- http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/2881639/New-Zealands-next-Bruce-McLaren-short-of-funds-to-follow-dream
Last updated 05:00 19/09/2009

A Hamilton teenager thinks he has what it takes to become the next Bruce McLaren but he needs the New Zealand public's vote to help him achieve it.
Waikato University management student Martin Short, 18, has his heart set on attending a global grand prix shootout driving competition in England next month.
Young drivers from all over the world will go head-to-head racing in saloon cars, competing for a fully-funded 2010 Formula BMW season racing team contract in Europe.
Drivers are assessed by experts, including Formula One motor racing coach New Zealander Rob Wilson.
As well as race time, their driving ability, communication, stamina and technical understanding are also tested. The top eight drivers will be invited back to race off over three days in November at the Pembrey racing circuit in Wales. One will be offered the BMW contract.
The trouble is it costs almost $20,000 to attend the shootout and Mr Short doesn't have the money.
However, he has one more option getting the New Zealand public to go online and vote for him to get him there.
"Three people from anywhere in the world can attend all expenses paid if they get the most online votes," Mr Short said.
"I have been contacting all my friends and telling them to contact everyone they know to vote for me. It would be a dream come true."
Mr Short's passion for motor racing started young. "My grandfather and dad both raced, so I started karting when I was seven and I've been racing ever since." He won his first national title in 2000 and went on to win the New Zealand Rotax Max series in 2006. He was fifth in the world championships in Portugal the same year.
In 2007 he started racing in the Formula Ford series in New Zealand and Australia.
He's had six top-three finishes this season from 31 starts. "But my ultimate dream is Formula One."
* People have until September 30 to vote at: www.driverdb.com/drivers/13437/.