12th January 2012

Young Jack is Doohan it his way - from the Courier Mail

From the Courier Mail (http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/son-of-five-time-world-champion-motorbike-rider-mick-doohan-jack-winning-races-in-go-karting-to-follow-in-fathers-tyre-tracks/story-e6freoof-1226242121216)

JACK Doohan is still eight years off his L plates, but he is already following in his famous father’s tyre tracks.

The son of five-time world champion motorbike rider Mick Doohan, young Jack is taking his first steps in motor racing in a go-kart.

And like his dad, young Jack is showing plenty of early promise, winning two of his first 10 races, despite giving away a two-year age gap to some of his older rivals.

But don’t expect to see Jack grow up to emulate his dad’s deeds on a motorbike.

“When I grow up I want to be a Formula 1 driver,” said the eight-year-old from his Gold Coast home.

For his part, his dad Mick Doohan is happy to support his son whether it is on two wheels or four.

“At this age, it’s just about having fun,” he said.

“Some people seem to take it too seriously, but that’s not really what it’s about when they’re kids.”

”If he is taking it seriously at 15 or 16 then that’s something we can look at down the track, but for now the most important thing is to make sure he has fun and makes some friends.”

With even the smaller Go Karts used in under 10s racing capable of reaching speeds of 80km/hr, there can be some nervous moments for any parents, but Doohan Senior, who broke plenty of bones in his own professional career, takes it all in his stride.

“As a parent you always worry, but he plays football every weekend and probably has more chance of getting hurt doing that.”

Queensland’s karting season kicks off this weekend with the Cooloola Coast Kart Club hosting the Hartington Doyle Racing ‘Race for Daniel’ event at Gympie, with all funds donated to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.