In his debut year racing his 125cc kart, Lia won the NSW Prokart championship and he recently sped to the line to win this year's National ProKart Championship at Wollongong City Raceway.

A member of Oran Park-based Sydney Kart Club, which includes members from Macarthur and Wollondilly, Lia was surprised at his success.

The 29-year-old, who started racing karts seven months ago, said he would have been happy to win a single race in his first year of competitive motor sport.

Lots of hard work, commitment and keeping an eye on the opposition has reaped rewards for Lia.

``I'm constantly watching everyone that races a kart,'' he said.

``I never sit still, I go on track and make adjustments to get the kart to go quicker or handle better to give me the edge.

``I actually sat down last Christmas and wrote my goals on a piece of paper.

``In my first year it was to win just one round and to learn more about racing karts, so for us to have achieved the results in our first year is phenomenal.

``I was very surprised because it was a lot more than I had expected.''

In the national championships Lia was victorious in all his heats and won the final of both the TAG Restricted Light and TAG Restricted Heavy championships. He has been in negotiations with racing teams from the US and is hopeful of gaining a place next year. If he gains sponsorship, Lia will race sedans as well as karts.

To help Lia, call 0420364424.