Larbert High pupil earns spot at British Indoor Karting Championship finals

Nico Lai, 11, is celebrating a major milestone in his racing career after qualifying for the national finals of the British Indoor Karting Championship (BIKC).

Nico, an S1 pupil at Larbert High School, secured his place among the country’s top young karting drivers after an impressive podium finish at the Liverpool Regional finals earlier this month.

Proud dad Bill Lai and his son Nico, 11, who is celebrating qualifying for the national finals of the British Indoor Karting Championship – which take place next month (Photo: Submitted)

placeholder image — Proud dad Bill Lai and his son Nico, 11, who is celebrating qualifying for the national finals of the British Indoor Karting Championship – which take place next month (Photo: Submitted)

Competing against some of the best young drivers in the UK, Nico delivered a fantastic performance under pressure to finish third, earning his place in the National finals. He was one of just two Scottish drivers to qualify for the event.

Nico first discovered his passion for racing in 2025, taking to the tracks at TeamSport Clydebank and TeamSport Cambuslang. Since then, he has continued to develop his skills through the East of Scotland Kart Club, competing in the Honda Cadet owners’ kart category and the Club 10 arrive-and-drive series.

His qualification marks a significant achievement in his young racing career, with the opportunity to compete against the top 30 racers from across the UK at the national stage.

Proud dad Bill Lai told the Falkirk Herald: “It was an amazing experience for Nico earlier this month.

"He has really taken to it and loves being involved. It has helped him come out of his shell a little.

"We are racing every weekend now and it is always worthwhile, even if some of the journey’s end off being many hours!

"A lot of the events take place down south and sometimes it is the case of being at an event at the weekend and getting home on the Sunday night simply to go to bed with work and school the next morning.”

Bill added: “We moved to the local area around five years ago from Hong Kong, he actually found an interest in the spot through gaming.

"I got him a steering wheel for Gran Turismo 7 on his PlayStation 5 and that was him hooked.”

The BIKC National Finals will take place on November 14 and 15 at TeamSport Warrington, where Nico will look to build on his regional success.

Friends, schoolmates and supporters from the local community will be able to follow his progress, with the entire event set to be broadcast live on YouTube.