WITH background in go-karting, 14-year-old Nicholas Barnes has all the makings of a 'drifter' on the rise: confidence, car control, speed, and agility.

The Cornwall College student was among the rookie entrants who made an impressive debut before a sea of spectators at last Sunday's Bay Speed 'drifting' competition held at the Montego Bay Sports Complex.

He drives a Toyota Corolla DX — which he modified, with the assistance of a mechanic and years of saving up for parts — for competing in sprints and rallies which he says he intends to move on to in the futures.

"I'll give it a year before I'm good enough to move on to rallying. After some of the older drivers saw me run, they said they're proud of me. But I told them they'll be in trouble soon," Barnes told Auto.

The entry-level dexterity discipline is set up to allow the skill level of new competitors to grow with practice and knowledge of their vehicle on an obstacle course. Barnes started go-karting at the Palisadoes Raceway in Kingston at age seven and won numerous class titles in local and international competitions.

While already exhibiting a certain level of natural talent, Barnes admits he still needs time to hone his craft. He said his father set up a rewards system whereby the better he does in school, the more time he is allowed for practice.

"We're just doing a little fine-tuning and then I'll take it out for some more practice runs. Right now, I try to practice at least twice per week, but I'm trying to bump it up to three," he said.

Barnes said he intends to compete in all scheduled drifting events for the year to become more competitive.