Nile Bean has already set his sights on dominating the Tag Juniors next season as he looks to bow out of the Cadet class in style at the Rubis Southside Raceway tomorrow.

The 11-year-old has claimed back-to-back titles in the Cadets and is confident of being in the mix for honours at the first time of asking in the competitive Tag Juniors.

Bean has dipped his toes in the water this season, occasionally stepping up into the Tag Juniors, where he has been claimed several chequered flags.

“I go into the Tag Juniors next year; I’ll be looking to win the title there, too,” Bean said

“I’ve raced in the Tag Juniors about three times [this season] and each time I’ve won at least one or two [of the heats].”

The Somersfield Academy pupil believes racing for Indianapolis team Top Kart USA has made his handful of outings in the Tag Juniors a smoother ride.

“After racing overseas and experiencing that, the Tag Juniors is not has hard as it would have been,” he said. “I’ve got my own Tag Junior kart; I’ve had a lot of seat time.”

Bean was introduced to Top Kart, who run a driver development programme, by his friend Jamie Newton, the son of Joey Newton, the Oracle Team USA sailor. Jamie was the top driver in the Cadets while his family were based in Bermuda for the 35th America’s Cup.

“When my best friend, Jamie, left the island ... he had been winning it a lot ... I wanted to win the [Cadet] title,” Bean added. “It was Jamie who introduced me to Top Kart.

“I go out there to do about four races a month. It’s a lot higher standard than Bermuda and a lot more karts.

“I have a coach, Blake [Diester]; he helps me with everything.

“When I go out on the track for a session, he’s the one who looks at the video and tells me how I could do things differently.

“Then there’s my mechanic Dean Mack; he’s kind of like part of my family at this point. He’s come to Bermuda a few times to help me out.”

Bean, who started racing rentals aged 5 when his father Llew Bean took him to the Southside track, harbours hopes of turning professional.

“I’d like to get into a pro team,” he said. “I follow Formula One and Max Verstappen, although I think my driving style more like Lewis Hamilton.”

For more details about the Arrive and Drive programme, call David Barbosa on 777-1193 or e-mail davidbarbosa@northrock.bm. For information on what the club offers, e-mail bermudakartingclub@yahoo.com or go to the club’s Facebook page