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Seven-year-old Reeve Giddy (right)has rolled his Kiwi Truck while racing a couple of times. He is pictured competing at the National Finals, which were held in Christchurch recently.
Reeve Giddy, who recently turned seven, beat drivers twice his age in the National Off Road series, to be placed third in New Zealand in his class.
The Stella Maris student admits that practicing in his Kiwi Truck is not his favourite thing but once he’s on the dirt racetrack, with his foot on the accelerator, he’s happy.
Reeve has been off road racing since he was five – he had to get special dispensation, demonstrating that he could handle the vehicle, as most drivers have to be eight years old before they can compete in a Kiwi Truck.
In this, his first full year of racing, Reeve placed 2nd in J Class in the North Island and 3rd in New Zealand.
His father Joel also races off-roaders. He says Reeve didn’t show a lot of interest in the sport until his first race. Now the pair go to as many races as they can as well as practicing at home in Dairy Flat or on purpose built dirt tracks.
“Reeve is the youngest in J Class by a number of years and races against other kids up to 14 years of age, so we’re pretty proud of him,” Joel says.
The trucks, which have an automatic gearbox, have a 270cc motor and can go as fast as 70km/h. Reeve has rolled the vehicle a couple of times.
Joel says he often gets asked why a parent would allow such a young child to take part in what looks like a dangerous sport.
He says that the mini Trophy Karts (as they are also called) from America, are pretty safe and lots of fun.
“Reeve is pretty safe within the roll cage of the car and I believe it’s safer than riding motorcross,” Joel says. He admits that Reeve’s mum Katherine wasn’t thrilled at the start, and she didn’t like watching the races. “She said until recently he was too young to be driving at that speed,” Joel says.
“The next event is after Christmas and we’re looking forward to it,” Joel says.
