Rising Kiwi motorsport stars Liam Lawson and Marcus Armstrong are honing their driving skills by competing in the Kartsport City of Sails event at Auckland and Hamilton.
Before heading back overseas for the Formula Two season, the pair have taken time to give back to the sport that helped them develop into two of the world’s best young talents and inspire the next generation of Kiwi drivers.
"It's the best way to train," says Armstrong. "There are so many people at the same 10th of a second that you need to get everything perfect.
"There's no better place to learn than here at the kart track."
Aspiring drivers at the Avondale track soaked up every little nugget of knowledge from their heroes, who were happy to oblige.
"I had [Kiwi motorsport stars] Mitch Evans and Shane van Gisbergen come to the track when I was eight years old and it was the best thing that happened to me," Lawson recalls.
After quickly progressing through the Formula classes, expectations are high for both Lawson and Armstrong to rise to those same ranks.
But for now, the two are focused on winning the game of one-upmanship in their respective uniquely designed go-karts.
"It's good to get the excuses flowing before the weekend starts," Armstrong jokes.
The pair might find the local talent their toughest competition, but either way, it's invaluable time in the driver's seat, before the Formula Two season revs up in March.
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