Wānaka can lay claim to a number of national sporting stars but nine-year-old George Tucker's achievement at the national kartsport sprint championships is a first for the town.

George, who attends Te Kura O Take Kārara, won the national title for his age grade at the National Sprint Championships held in Wellington on June 26.

“I normally like to win and set PBs [personal bests],” George said.

He is a member of the Dunedin KartSport Club and his win is a first for the club at the junior level and only the second national title in the club’s history.

“This is our closest club and track so we travel regularly throughout the South Island and more recently the North Island to compete at various races from club days to national events,” Andy Tucker, George’s father, said.

“There are six families here in Wānaka on that circuit and some in Queenstown. We all have the issue of a three hour drive to the nearest kart club.”

Next year George moves up a class to the 10 to 13 year-old category and Andy said they hope to be able to compete more in the North Island where the fields are more competitive.

“Fitness is a really big thing,” he said. “George does two personal training sessions with NRG each week.”

George became interested in karting after going to Game Over in Queenstown. He enjoyed it so much Andy decided to look at other opportunities in the sport.

George’s favourite driver is current Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen.

To find out more about KartSport click here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App