7-Year-Old Boy Becomes Professional Rally Driver After His Dad Spends RM463,000 On Training

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Shao Ziyan, a 7-year-old boy from Wenzhou, China, has taken the Internet by storm as a professional rally car driver

According to South China Morning Post, he officially received his racing licence when he was only 5, following years of intensive practice that began in his toddler years.

The boy became obsessed with speed when he was just one.

After noticing his son had a natural knack for driving, his father built a custom simulator for him to refine his skills at home.

The young driver eventually progressed from electric go-karts to fuel-powered vehicles.

His father signed him up for professional training to master advanced techniques, including moves inspired by the anime Initial D.

By the age of 4, Shao already ranked 30th in global racing simulation standings

To support his son's career, Shao's father customised a second-hand Suzuki Swift rally car for 200,000 yuan (RM116,000). The total investment, which includes vehicle modifications, and transport, has exceeded 800,000 yuan (RM463,000).

Because Shao is a minor, he is not permitted to drive on public roads. The family has to tow the vehicle to racing tracks, where the young prodigy recently won a national rally race.

This victory reportedly made him the youngest rally race winner in the world.

His father, a freelance photographer, also became a professional racer to accompany his son on this high-speed journey

Despite concerns about safety, the father insisted that the design of the tracks, and cars ensures his son's protection.

Shao now has over one million followers and dreams about becoming China's first world champion.