Goodwin keen to teach the Aussies the tricks of the karting trade – but ultimately, it’s just not cricket

Jay Goodwin might be more used to tearing up the track in the two British karting championships in which he is a regular front-runner at Mini Max level, but the young Sale-based hotshot recently got a taste of a different sport altogether – as he hung out with the Australian national cricket team.

A keen cricketer himself, Jay was introduced to the likes of Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke by his father Geoff, whose Go Goodwins coach company transports the team around when they come over for The Ashes – and when the boys returned to pay a surprise visit this summer, it marked another opportunity for the Ashton-upon-Mersey speed demon to rub shoulders with some true sporting legends.

“It was a pretty big deal at first but it’s something I’m used to now, because my dad goes to the cricket a lot,” the 13-year-old mused. “I know all the Australian players, and obviously I’m really grateful for being able to spend time with them. They’re a great bunch of guys, and I really like hanging out with them all. They’ve always been interested in my racing too, and they keep asking me all about it and how it’s going.”

Confessing to backing the generally more successful Aussies over his home nation during The Ashes, Jay leaves little doubt that he is a bright spark, and one who knows where his loyalties lie. Adding that he would jump at the chance to race against them in a kart and teach them some of the tricks of his trade should the occasion present itself, the North Cestrian Grammar School pupil quips: “I’m not sure they would be any good, though...they might be better off sticking to cricket!”

And if the tables were turned and Jay was to be kitted out in white cricket clobber rather than his usual Evolution Racing suit, gloves and helmet..? He lets out a mischievous smile, before joking: “You never know, I might be giving them all the tips...”