It is easy to gauge why the Lindisfarne College Year 8 student has not talked up his chances of taking out overall honours. He will be up against two of the country's best in the class in Manawatu's Jacob Cranston and Rianna O'Meara-Hunt of Wellington.
Clubmate Ronan Murphy, a son of Hawke's Bay-born V8 star and four-time Bathurst 1000 winner Greg Murphy, is also capable of a podium finish.
"That's why we do well because there is plenty of rivalry in the class. My good friend Cameron Spargo, who won't be racing this weekend because of injury, is always up there as well," May said.
He took up karting five years ago. "My dad Terry used to race in the Targa Rally and that inspired me," he said.
On the way to the Junior Rotax class he raced in cadets and then the junior restricted class.
The current Junior Rotax class points leader in his club championship, May was the club's junior restricted class club champion last year and in 2013.
His next major event after this weekend is the Te Puke-hosted North Island championships at Labour weekend. May will also tackle the lower North Island Gold Star Series during the summer.
"I also play cricket and hockey but karting is the sport I put the most effort into," May said.
Manawatu's Senior Rotax Light class driver Michael McCulloch is his idol.
"I enjoy travelling around the country getting tips off experienced drivers like him."
May's long-term goal is to race in a yet-to-be decided class on the Taupo circuit. He also would not turn down the opportunity to do a Targa Rally with the old man if he offered.
"As long as I'm not the co-driver," his father said.
That's an indication the youngster has no fear and is not afraid to floor it.
Those are key ingredients he will need to achieve his podium goal in this weekend's star-studded field.
Drivers in each of the seven classes will have five races on Saturday and four on Sunday.
