Welsh Rugby Star Helps Young Karter Chase Her Dream

By Paul Evans

Seven-year old karter Poppy Thomas has been given a major vote of confidence as she chases her dream of one day becoming a professional racing driver – with Welsh International rugby star and Ospreys centre Scott Williams offering her a helping hand up the racing ladder.

In addition to playing top class rugby, Williams opened his own motorsports car build and fabrication company in April 2016. Since then, Scott Williams Motorsport has built a number of stunning Escort Mk1 and Mk2 rally cars, giving the firm a reputation for outstanding quality and attention to detail.

And when his Ospreys and WRU training and playing commitments allow, Williams undertakes much of the rally car testing himself and has proven himself to be a very capable rally driver.

Thomas, from the village of Ffarmers near Lampeter, is competing in this year’s BKC Bambino Karting Championship. It’s a highly competitive series, with 35 competitors contesting a 10 round series. The next race meeting is at the South Wales Karting Centre at Llandow this weekend.

“I’ve been racing go-karts for just over a year and I thoroughly enjoy it,” says Thomas. “There aren’t many girls that race in the BKC so I want to show the boys that I can be just as competitive too. My teachers and friends can’t believe I race, so I’m always excited when I get a new trophy and take it into school!

“I first found I had an interest in karting when I used to go and watch my dad race his kart. I remember telling him that I’d like to have a kart and race like he did one day, little did I know that that day would be sooner than I had imagined.

“I must admit I was a little nervous when I first went out in my kart. I didn’t know what to expect, but I loved it! I now have two karts, a black one and a pink one. I definitely have the need for speed, which is what I like best about racing, being able to go as fast as I can.

“I enjoy being out in the shed with my dad getting the karts ready, taking them apart and building them back up to make sure I get the best results when I’m out racing.

“I aim to always try and better myself with every meeting I go to. I‘ve been very fortunate to be sponsored by A&B Plant Hire, GT-Signs, McMullan Construction, Mason Bros, Mayes Tyres and have recently been privileged enough to have the support of a Welsh rugby star and fellow motorsport enthusiasts Scott Williams who is kindly providing financial and PR assistance to enable me to climb the motorsport ladder and fulfil my dreams. Without these sponsorships I wouldn’t be able to race and I’m therefore very grateful.”