Sport

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

While many Jamaican teenagers eagerly anticipate their 18th birthdays to be able to legally drive, 16-year-old Alan Scott Hoo, despite still being a few months short of his 17th birthday, is already making small strides on the international racing scene.

Hoo left Jamaica at age seven for Florida and has been racing go-karts from age seven. He is now poised to be Jamaica's first formula one driver after finishing fifth in his first competitive race in February, which earned him the rookie of the year title.

The youngster is currently enrolled at the prestigious Skip Barber racing school in Sebring, Florida, United States. He is also signed with the renowned Boys Nascar race series camp after being spotted by international scout Chris Wolf.

Hoo, who is on a monthlong vacation to his home country, said he has always been in the fast lane.

Natural abilities

"From I was young I have always liked trailer trucks here in Jamaica," said Hoo. "When I moved to Miami, I started liking motorcycles but my parents would not let me get a motorcycle.

"I have two uncles, one who races cars and another (Herman Chin) who races go-karts, and he had an extra go-kart so he gave it to me to drive, and ever since I drove it I have always loved racing," the former Columbus Prep student added.

He is of the opinion that his driving abilities came naturally.

Hoo said: "This is my life; I put everything I have into racing. This is what I really want to do and I want to make a career out of it. I just got in the go-kart and I did well and then I went into cars and did even better. I went to the school and I was at the top of the class. I entered the race and I came top five and I got rookie of the year. It was just natural."

The young racer who also attended Glen Prep is now enrolled at Felix Varela Senior High School in Miami, but is likely to be home-schooled come next year, now that he has signed to race full time next season.

Despite living in the United States for nine years, Hoo still considers Jamaica his home and has no intention of representing any other country.

"This is where I was born and I always love Jamaica, and when I race this is the country and nation I want to represent," said Hoo. "I always come back to visit so Jamaica is always home for me," he added.