Fast and focused

Total dedication is driving an East Auckland racer to the top of the Formula Ford circuit, writes Andrea Jutson.
Former kart racer Michael Burdett has recently changed gears, and it's put him on the fast track to success. The 16-year-old from MacLeans College has already spent almost a decade in motorsport. After becoming national karting champion six times and collecting 200 trophies, he came to the attention of P J Johnson, former manager of Kiwi racing legend Scott Dixon, who competes for Team Target in the US Indy Racing League. Johnson suggested it was time to try Formula Ford. That same day, Michael had a car lined up. ``My ultimate goal is to be a millionaire by 21,'' he says matter-of-factly. Burdett is in his second year of Ford racing, having just competed in Taupo's A1 Grand Prix at the weekend, and well within the top 10 in Formula Ford. Last year's champion, Shane van Gisbergen, has moved on to driving a Toyota, leaving an empty space at the top that Michael's determined to fill. His success comes partly from genetics - dad Les is Michael's mechanic and a former karter - and partly from dedication. Even in his early years, Michael was at competitions 40 weekends a year, leaving home on Friday nights and returning on Sundays. He also gave up rugby to pursue his driving career. He talks of the 10 or 11 times he's flipped his car and how he once hit a wall at 220km/h. The pressures of racing don't faze him at all. ``You still get a few nerves, but it's just another day at the office, really. ``Natural talent is everything. You either have it or you don't.'' His bewildering list of sponsors includes Wynn's, Radio Hauraki, Nylex, Freight Traders and Evans European, run by New Zealand land-speed record holder Owen Evans. Michael's other major sponsor, Nichibo, also sponsors the A1 NZ racing team. Just in case, Michael's back-up plan is to go into a career in construction. Don't count on that happening soon, says his manager, Wynn's director Mike Lightfoot. ``Every dollar he's got goes into his racing.''