Ross race boy's 'best day ever'

AN Easter Ross schoolboy returned from "the most amazing day of my life" more determined than ever to follow in the tyre tracks of his F1 racing hero.

Lucas Ross-Cameron (9) was thrilled to win a "grid kids" slot on the starting line of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone after winning an F1 Future Stars contest run by the Motor Sports Association.

The Knockbreck pupil from Tain races karts at the Golspie track in his spare time and idolises the late Brazilian ace, Ayrton Senna.

With full access to the F1 paddock, Lucas was delighted to be teamed up with his favourite current-day racer Max Verstappen, The wide-eyed youngster also jumped at the chance to quiz Williams legend, Sir Frank Williams.

The thrilled kids were given their drivers cap to keep and a race suit, boots, T-shirt and cap to wear on the grid and keep afterwards. They were given a tour of the paddock, met all the drivers and had their programmes autographed. Lucas joined Max and the other drivers on the grid in front of thousands for the National Anthem and wished him well before the start.

Lucas’s mum Natalie said: "It was then off to our Grandstand to watch what was an amazing race!"

Though Verstappen car had brake and gear box problems and did not finish, he took it in his stride and was delighted to bump in to Lucas again the following day at the Red Bull factory, instantly recognising the Easter Ross youngsters as his grid kid.

Lucas said: "I got to meet so many drivers I admire, total legends and make new friends. It was the experience of a lifetime, the most amazing day of my life. I hope that one day, with a lot of hard work and dedication, I can be in the position to be fighting for world championships and even have a Grid Kid of my own supporting me! It was really inspiring."